The Yungas tyrannulet is a Vulnerable species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane (Yungas) forests on the eastern slopes of the central Andes of Bolivia and southern Peru. Prefers mature and secondary cloud forest with dense mid- to upper-canopy foliage, often along forest edges and ravines. It uses mossy, epiphyte-rich branches and forages in the canopy and subcanopy. The species is patchy but can be locally fairly common where suitable forest persists.
Altitude Range
1000–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, canopy-dwelling tyrant flycatcher of the humid Yungas forests, it is often overlooked due to its quiet behavior and high-foraging habits. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning tiny insects from foliage. Ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the Andes place this species at risk, contributing to its Vulnerable status.
Temperament
active but unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Breeding behavior is poorly documented, but like many tyrannulets it likely builds a small cup nest well concealed in foliage. Pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season and are otherwise loosely social when foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice consists of thin, high-pitched tseet notes and brief, delicate trills delivered from within the canopy. Calls are subtle and can be easily masked by forest ambient noise, contributing to the species’ elusiveness.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly duskier crown, pale yellow-washed underparts grading to whitish throat. Two distinct pale wing bars on dusky wings and faint pale eyering. Subtle facial pattern with slightly darker lores; overall soft, clean appearance typical of Phyllomyias tyrannulets.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as tiny insects, spiders, and their larvae. It gleans prey from leaf surfaces and twigs, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch flushed insects. Foraging is meticulous and focused in the outer foliage, often while accompanying other insectivorous birds.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the canopy and subcanopy of humid montane forest and along edges with dense epiphytes. Also uses secondary growth and partially disturbed forest where sufficient canopy cover remains.
