The warbling doradito is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Prefers marshes, reedbeds, and bulrush stands with dense emergent vegetation in slow-moving or still freshwater. It also uses flooded grasslands, river margins, and rice fields when suitable cover is present. During non-breeding periods it disperses more widely through similar wetland habitats, often following water levels.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small reed-dwelling tyrant flycatcher, the warbling doradito is best detected by its bright, musical trills given from exposed reed-tops. It weaves a deep cup nest anchored to vertical stems above water, protecting it from many ground predators. The species often keeps its tail slightly cocked and forages low in dense emergent vegetation. Its movements are partly seasonal, shifting northward within southern South America outside the breeding season.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping close to dense reeds. Builds a deep cup nest woven to vertical stems above water; presumed monogamous. Outside breeding, it may form loose groups in suitable marshes.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, warbling series of clear notes and trills delivered from reed tops, often repeating in short sequences. Calls include thin chips and buzzy notes given while foraging within cover.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a contrasting bright yellow belly and breast, and paler yellow throat. Shows two pale buff wingbars on dusky wings and a short, often cocked tail. A narrow pale supercilium sits above a dusky eye-line, giving a masked look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, and hemipterans, and will also take small spiders and other arthropods. It gleans prey from reed stems and leaves and makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is low and close to water within dense emergent vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages inside or along the edges of reedbeds, bulrush stands, and marshy ditches. It also uses flooded pastures and rice fields when emergent cover is available.
