Myioborus brunniceps
The Brown-capped Whitestart (Myioborus brunniceps) is a vibrant and active passerine belonging to the New World Warbler family (Parulidae). This small bird measures approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length and weighs about 8-12 grams (0.28-0.42 ounces). Its most striking feature, giving it its name, is a distinct brown cap that contrasts sharply with its bright yellow underparts, grey upperparts, and a rufous patch on its lower flanks. Identification is further aided by white outer t...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges within the high Andes, often found in both primary and secondary growth. It typically occurs at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 meters (5,000 to 11,500 feet), occasionally venturing higher or lower.
The Brown-capped Whitestart is predominantly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small arthropods. It forages actively by gleaning prey from foliage and making aerial flycatching sallies.
The Brown-capped Whitestart is a highly active, diurnal bird, constantly in motion as it forages through the mid-story and subcanopy of its forest habitat. Its foraging strategy is distinctive, involving both gleaning insects from foliage and performing aerial sallies to catch flying prey, often ...
The Brown-capped Whitestart is endemic to the Andes Mountains of South America, with a resident distribution spanning from southern Peru through Bolivia and into northwestern Argentina. Its range in Peru extends south from the Department of Puno, encompassing the humid montane forests of the east...
Least Concern
- Its genus name, Myioborus, literally means 'fly devouring,' a nod to its effective flycatching techniques. - The 'whitestart' in its name refers to its unique foraging behavior of flashing its white outer tail feathers to startle and flush out hidden insects. - Unlike many warblers that build n...