Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant

Overview

The black-capped pygmy tyrant (Myiornis atricapillus) is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, native to Central and South America. It is a small passerine that is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.

Identification

• Length of 6 to 8 cm and weight between 5.5 to 6 g, making it the smallest passerine in Central America.
• Adult males feature a black crown fading to slate gray, white lores, and a slate gray face with a black spot by the eye.
• Bright olive green back and rump, with slate black flight feathers edged in olive green to yellow.
• Black bill with a small white tip on the mandible, and pale brown to orangish legs.

Habitat

The species primarily inhabits the interior of humid lowland and foothill forest in the tropical zone, as well as mature secondary forest, semi-open forest, and forest edges. Its range extends along the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica and Panama, into central Colombia, and along the Pacific slope of Colombia into northwestern Ecuador, with recent records in southeastern Nicaragua. Elevation ranges vary by country, from sea level up to 1,300 m in Colombia.

Diet

The black-capped pygmy tyrant feeds on insects, though specific details are lacking. It typically forages singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, mostly from the middle levels up to the canopy. Prey is captured using short upward sallies from a perch or by gleaning while briefly hovering after a short flight.

Did you know?

The bird's vocalisations are high-pitched and strikingly similar to the calls made by insects and frogs, including a song described as a 'crreek' or 'tstrreep' and other sounds resembling a warbler or cricket.