Olive-green Tyrannulet

Overview

The olive-green tyrannulet is a species of tyrant flycatcher found in northeastern Brazil and the Guianas. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing and the bird is considered rare, perhaps often overlooked.

Identification

• Approximately 12 cm long with olive crown and upperparts, medium yellow underparts, and dusky wings featuring two yellow wing bars.
• Face is yellowish green with black lores and a prominent yellowish eye-ring connected to a faint yellowish white area behind the lores.
• Long, pointed, black bill with brown irises and gray legs and feet.
• Song consists of a series of high, reedy notes preceded by a louder, exclamatory note described as 'Queet!-peet-peet-peet-peet'.

Habitat

Inhabits mostly north of the Amazon River between the Negro river and the state of Amapá, with a few records further south. Primarily found in humid primary evergreen forests and mature secondary forest below 500 m elevation. It is a year-round resident in northeastern Brazil and the Guianas.

Diet

Feeds on arthropods, foraging actively and almost entirely in the forest canopy. Typically perches horizontally on a branch, sometimes with its tail cocked up, to make short sallies or hover-glean prey from leaves and twigs. Forages singly or in pairs, usually as part of a mixed-species feeding flock.

Did you know?

Although the population size is unknown and believed to be decreasing, no immediate threats have been identified because the habitat in much of its range remains undisturbed.