The white-lored tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland humid forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. It favors terra firme and várzea forests, forest edges, riverine woodland, and tall secondary growth. Most activity is in the mid- to upper canopy, where it gleans from leaves and twigs. It tolerates some disturbance and often persists in mosaics of secondary forest and clearings, provided tall trees remain.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny canopy flycatcher, the white-lored tyrannulet is best detected by its high, thin vocalizations and the small but distinctive white patch at the lore in front of the eye. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the mid- to upper canopy and edges of Amazonian forests. Despite its wide range, it can be hard to see well as it forages restlessly among foliage.
Temperament
active and somewhat inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between quick perch-to-perch sallies
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly, in pairs, or family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small cups placed well-concealed in foliage; both sexes likely participate in nesting duties. Territorial song is delivered from semi-exposed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of very high, thin notes and short trilled phrases, often repeated at regular intervals. Calls include sharp tsip or seee notes that carry in the canopy but are easy to overlook.
Plumage
Mostly plain olive-green above with paler yellowish-olive underparts and two narrow whitish wingbars; small, neat appearance with a tidy feather texture.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and clusters of new growth. It occasionally sallies to snatch prey in short flights and may hover-glean briefly. Small fruit may be taken opportunistically but forms a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of humid lowland forest, tall secondary growth, and along forest edges and river margins. Often follows mixed-species flocks through the canopy strata where prey is abundant.
