The variegated bristle tyrant is a species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests from Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru. It uses forest interiors, mossy edges, and secondary growth with good canopy cover. Birds are frequently observed along forested ravines and near streams where insect activity is high. It often accompanies mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through mid to upper strata. Tolerates some habitat disturbance but declines where continuous forest is lost.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tyrant flycatcher, the variegated bristle-tyrant forages actively in the midstory, often joining mixed-species flocks. The tiny bristles at the base of its bill help it sense and snag small prey among foliage. It favors humid montane forests and edges where it gleans and makes short sallies. Despite localized habitat loss, it is generally considered of low conservation concern across its broad range.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Pairs maintain small foraging territories during the breeding season. Nests are well concealed in dense vegetation; both adults participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers thin, high-pitched trills and buzzy phrases, often repeated in short series. Calls include sharp chips and soft tsee notes given while foraging with flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a variegated, mottled face and faint pale supercilium; two narrow yellowish wing bars. Underparts are yellowish to whitish with fine olive streaking on the breast and sides. Bill base shows small bristle-like feathers typical of bristle-tyrants.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves and twigs. It makes brief sallies to snatch flying prey and probes clusters of moss and epiphytes. Occasionally takes tiny berries when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to subcanopy of humid montane forests, along edges, and in semi-open mossy second growth. Often works through vine tangles and epiphyte-laden branches, especially near streams and forest gaps.
