Bolivian Tyrannulet

Zimmerius bolivianus

The Bolivian Tyrannulet (*Zimmerius bolivianus*) is a petite and active passerine, a vibrant resident of the high Andean cloud forests. Measuring a modest 10.5-12 cm (4.1-4.7 in) in length and weighing approximately 8-12 grams, its diminutive size belies its constant, energetic presence. Its plumage is characterized by dull olive-green upperparts, a slightly paler, often grayish head, and dirty whitish to pale yellowish-olive underparts, which may exhibit faint streaking on the breast. Distin...

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits humid subtropical and tropical montane forests, including cloud forests, secondary growth, and forest edges, typically at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters.

Diet

The diet primarily consists of small insects and other arthropods, which it gleans from leaves and twigs or catches in short aerial sallies, supplemented with small berries and fruits, especially those from mistletoe.

Behavior

The Bolivian Tyrannulet is a highly active and largely diurnal bird, constantly flitting through the canopy and subcanopy of montane forests. Its foraging strategy involves active gleaning of small insects and other arthropods from foliage and twigs, occasionally supplemented by short, agile aeri...

Range

The Bolivian Tyrannulet is a resident species, with its distribution centered within the subtropical and tropical montane forests of the central Andes. Its primary breeding and year-round range extends from southeastern Peru, encompassing regions like Cusco and Puno, southward through much of Bol...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- Its scientific genus name, *Zimmerius*, honors the American ornithologist John Todd Zimmer, who made significant contributions to Neotropical ornithology. - Despite its common name suggesting a flycatcher, it predominantly forages by gleaning insects from foliage rather than sallying for flying...

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