The white-fronted tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Central America and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica and Panama south through the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and into Bolivia. Prefers humid montane cloud forests, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth with abundant epiphytes. Often found along ridges, in elfin forest, and in forest-edge thickets. Frequently associates with mixed flocks in the midstory to canopy.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, hyperactive tyrant flycatcher of montane forests, the white-fronted tyrannulet often joins mixed-species flocks and forages restlessly among mossy branches. Its namesake white forecrown patch can be subtle but flashes when the feathers are raised. It typically inhabits cloud forests from Central America into the northern Andes. Subtle vocalizations—thin, high notes and brief trills—are key to detecting it in dense foliage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually forages in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are small cups placed on branches or in forks, often well concealed among mosses and epiphytes. Both parents typically participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseet notes and brief buzzy trills, often repeated in quick series. Calls are subtle but frequent, aiding contact within pairs and flocks.
