The tawny-rumped tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and possibly Argentina.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Venezuelan and Colombian Andes south through Ecuador and Peru into western Bolivia, with possible occurrence in northwestern Argentina. Favors humid montane and elfin forests, forest edges, and second-growth with tall trees. It typically uses midstory to canopy strata, especially along ridges and in gaps. Local presence is often patchy, tracking intact cloud-forest habitat.
Altitude Range
1600–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean flycatcher, it is best recognized by its distinctive tawny rump that contrasts with otherwise olive upperparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks in cloud forest edges, where its thin, high-pitched calls can be easier to notice than the bird itself. Identification is challenging because several tyrannulets look similar; the rufous rump and pale wingbars are key field marks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are typically small cups placed in vegetation, with both adults participating in care. Territoriality is modest, with soft contact calls used to stay in touch within flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very high, thin tsit and tsee notes, often in short series. Song is a delicate, insect-like trill or sequence of squeaky notes that can be hard to locate in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting tawny-rufous rump; grayish-olive head; two pale whitish wingbars; underparts yellowish to pale with olive wash on the breast; dusky tail. Fine, short bill typical of tyrannulets and a subtle pale eye ring.
Diet
Primarily consumes small arthropods such as insects and spiders. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying prey. May hover briefly at foliage to pick hidden insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid montane and elfin forest, especially along edges, gaps, and mossy limbs. Also uses secondary woodland with sufficient tall trees and epiphyte-rich branches.
