The Venezuelan tyrannulet is a species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Northern Venezuela cordilleras
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and foothill forests of the Venezuelan Coastal Range and adjacent highlands. Favors evergreen forest edges, second growth, and canopy gaps rich in epiphytes where it can hover-glean. It also uses riparian strips, forested ravines, and shade-coffee landscapes near intact forest. Typically forages in the mid-story to canopy and readily joins mixed flocks.
Altitude Range
400–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tyrant flycatcher is part of a cryptic Zimmerius complex where voice is often more reliable than plumage for identification. It shows neat pale 'spectacles' around the eye and is frequently detected by its thin, high-pitched series of whistles. Pairs and family groups often join mixed-species flocks in humid montane forest. Despite its restricted range, it is considered fairly common within suitable habitat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hover-gleaning sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that move methodically through the foliage. Common participant in mixed-species flocks with other small insectivores. Nests are likely small cups placed on slender forks or suspended from twigs, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of whistles and tsit notes, often delivered as short, repeated phrases. Calls are sharp, sibilant chips that carry well from the canopy.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly darker wings and tail; underparts yellowish to olive-yellow, paler on the throat. Two narrow whitish wingbars and faint edging on wing coverts. Face shows pale supra- and sub-ocular arcs creating a 'spectacled' look.
Diet
Primarily takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Often hover-gleans to pick prey from the undersides of foliage and occasionally makes short sallies to catch tiny flying insects. May supplement its diet with small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story to canopy of humid montane forest, along edges, and in second-growth thickets. Frequently works the outer foliage of epiphyte-laden branches and sunlit gaps, especially while accompanying mixed flocks.
