The yellow-bellied chat-tyrant is a species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, especially along edges, clearings, and roadsides with dense shrubbery and bamboo thickets. Favors mossy, wet habitats and elfin forest near treeline. Often uses forested ravines and secondary growth adjacent to intact forest. Within its range in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, it is most frequently encountered in the understory to midstory.
Altitude Range
2000–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tyrant flycatcher of humid montane forests, it is often seen flicking its tail while foraging in the understory. Its bright yellow underparts and bold pale eyebrow help separate it from similar chat-tyrants. It typically keeps to dense growth along forest edges and roadsides, making brief sallies for insects. Taxonomically it has been placed in both Ochthoeca and Silvicultrix.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that defend small territories within the forest understory. Often perches low, making short sallies and returning to similar perches. Nests are typically mossy cups placed on banks, ledges, or in dense vegetation, with both adults attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of squeaky notes or trills delivered from a low, concealed perch. Calls include sharp tsip or pik notes given during foraging and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with two narrow buffy wingbars and darker tail; underparts bright yellow from throat to belly. Head grayish to dusky with a contrasting pale, diadem-like supercilium and darker auricular area. Plumage appears soft and slightly fluffy in humid conditions.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, and caterpillars. Gleans prey from foliage and twigs and occasionally hovers to pick insects from leaves. Makes short sallies to capture flying insects and may take small spiders. Fruit is rarely, if ever, a significant part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and lower midstory of humid montane and cloud forests. Frequently uses forest edges, bamboo patches, and shrubby clearings where prey is abundant.
