The white-crested tyrannulet is a small species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through northern and central Argentina, southern and eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Prefers woodland edges, riparian gallery forests, scrubby thickets, and open savanna with scattered trees. Readily uses secondary growth, agricultural margins, and urban parks. Often found from low shrubs to mid-canopy, especially near water and along hedgerows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flycatcher often flicks its wings and raises a small white crest, which can be surprisingly conspicuous when displayed. It thrives in edge habitats and second growth, making it common in parks and gardens as well as natural woodlands. Pairs are attentive, frequently foraging together and keeping up contact with thin, high calls.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often accompanying mixed-species flocks along edges. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseet and tsee notes, often in quick series. The song is a light, repetitive sequence of sharp whistles, carrying well in open habitats. Calls are frequent during foraging and help pairs maintain contact.
Plumage
Olive-gray upperparts with paler gray head and whitish to pale yellow underparts; wings dark with two distinct whitish wingbars. A small white crown patch (crest) is often concealed but can be raised. Tail is dusky with pale edging; overall neat, clean patterning.
Diet
Primarily takes small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars. Forages by short sallies from exposed perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. May hover briefly to pick prey from vegetation. Occasionally consumes small arthropods flushed from low shrubs and grasses.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along woodland edges, riparian thickets, hedgerows, and scrubby pastures. Common in secondary growth and urban parks where scattered trees and shrubs provide foraging perches.
