Yellow Tyrannulet

Overview

The yellow tyrannulet (Capsiempis flaveola) is a small passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. It is a year-round resident found throughout its range and is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Measures 10 to 11.5 cm in length and weighs approximately 8 g.
• Features bright yellow underparts with an ochraceous tinge on the breast and yellowish olive upperparts.
• Displays a bright yellow supercilium, a bushy crest, and dusky olive wings with two indistinct wing bars.
• Possesses a longish, curved black bill with a pale base and dark grey legs.

Habitat

This species inhabits a variety of humid lowland landscapes in the tropical zone, favouring dense thickets, vine tangles, bamboo stands, and secondary forest over tall interior forest. Its range covers Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and most mainland South American countries, excluding Chile and Uruguay.

Diet

The yellow tyrannulet feeds primarily on small insects, occasionally supplementing its diet with small fruits and berries. It typically forages in pairs or small family groups by gleaning while perched or briefly hovering after a short sally, rarely capturing prey in mid-air.

Did you know?

The bird is extremely vocal, often engaging in duets, and its calls are simple trills that have been likened to the vocalisation of a toad.