The white-banded tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia. It favors forest edges, clearings, elfin forest, and secondary growth with abundant mosses and epiphytes. Frequently forages in the subcanopy and canopy along forested ridges and ravines. It is a common participant in mixed-species flocks in these habitats and tolerates some habitat disturbance where forest structure remains.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean flycatcher, it is easily recognized by its bold white wing bands and energetic foraging style. It often joins mixed-species flocks in cloud forests, flicking its tail and making short sallies for insects. Pairs maintain small territories and give high, thin calls that carry through mossy montane woods.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, often integrating into mixed-species flocks moving through the subcanopy. Pairs maintain territories during the breeding season and may perform duet-like call exchanges. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation or mossy ledges, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, sibilant notes delivered in short series, often a rapid, delicate trill. Calls include sharp tseet or seee notes, repeated frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Neat, compact tyrannulet with gray-olive upperparts and paler gray underparts washed yellowish on the belly. Shows two prominent white wing bars and contrasting dark wings. Has a pale supercilium and short, fine bill.
Diet
Primarily consumes small arthropods such as flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and by making short aerial sallies to snatch prey. Often capitalizes on prey flushed by mixed flocks and follows moving foraging waves along forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the subcanopy and canopy of humid montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and mossy limbs. Also uses bamboo thickets and secondary growth where insect abundance is high.
