Hylophilus pectoralis
The Ashy-headed Greenlet, *Hylophilus pectoralis*, is a small, vibrant passerine bird within the Vireonidae family, known for its active demeanor in the canopies of South American forests. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches) in length, it is characterized by its distinctive ashy-gray head and nape, which contrasts sharply with its bright olive-green back and rump. Its underparts are a clean yellowish-white, often with a subtle yellowish wash on the flanks and crissum, while a pa...
This species primarily inhabits forest edges, secondary growth, gallery forests, and savannas with scattered trees, typically found in low to mid-elevations.
The primary diet of the Ashy-headed Greenlet consists of insects and other small arthropods, which it gleans actively from leaves and twigs.
Ashy-headed Greenlets are diurnal and highly active, spending most of their time gleaning insects from the foliage and branches within the forest canopy and subcanopy. They are often observed solitarily or in pairs, but frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly during the non-br...
The Ashy-headed Greenlet boasts an extensive distribution across east-central South America, primarily within the lowlands. Its breeding and year-round range spans significant portions of central and eastern Brazil, extending south into eastern Bolivia, much of Paraguay, northeastern Argentina (p...
Least Concern
- Despite their name, Greenlets are actually a distinct group within the New World vireo family (Vireonidae), known for being more active foragers than typical vireos. - They are expert at camouflaging their cup-shaped nests, often decorating the exterior with spiderwebs, lichen, and dead leaves ...