Grey-and-white Tyrannulet

Overview

The grey-and-white tyrannulet (Pseudelaenia leucospodia) is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae. It is a year-round resident found in arid regions of Ecuador and Peru.

Identification

• Approximately 12.5 cm long, with a pale grayish brown crown and a shaggy crest that exposes a white centre when erect.
• Features a white supercilium and a black eye-line on an otherwise grayish white face, with upperparts that are pale grayish brown.
• Underparts are mostly whitish with a gray tinge on the flanks and a creamy tinge on the belly.
• Dawn song described as "a squeaky pit'i'pew or sneezy pit'chew interspersed with a rising weee-wit".

Habitat

Inhabits arid scrublands, brushy riparian areas, and dry forest across a disjunct range in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Elevational distribution ranges from sea level to 100 m in Ecuador and up to 800 m in Peru.

Diet

Feeds on insects by foraging singly or in pairs, typically near the tops of shrubs. Prey is taken by gleaning while perched or by briefly hovering after a short flight.

Did you know?

The bird's nest is a deep barrel-shaped cup constructed from plant down, placed on a branch near the trunk of a thickly branched tree.