Mecocerculus hellmayri
The Buff-banded Tyrannulet, *Mecocerculus hellmayri*, is a diminutive yet distinctive member of the diverse Tyrannidae family, often found flitting through the high Andean cloud forests. Measuring a mere 11-12 cm in length and weighing 7.5-10.5 g, this small flycatcher sports olive-green upperparts beautifully contrasted by pale yellow to whitish underparts. Its most striking field mark, and the source of its common name, are two prominent pale buffy wing-bars, along with a whitish superciliu...
This species primarily inhabits high-altitude montane cloud forests, humid evergreen forests, and forest edges, often found in second growth. It thrives at elevations typically ranging from 1,800 to 3,300 meters above sea level, occasionally seen as low as 1,500m or as high as 3,500m.
The Buff-banded Tyrannulet's diet consists almost exclusively of small insects and other arthropods, primarily obtained through active gleaning from foliage and swift aerial sallies.
Buff-banded Tyrannulets are diurnal birds, actively foraging throughout the day from dawn till dusk. They employ a combination of gleaning, picking small insects and arthropods from foliage and branches, and making short, agile aerial sallies to snatch flying prey. During the non-breeding season,...
The Buff-banded Tyrannulet is a resident species widely distributed throughout the Andes mountains of South America. Its range extends from western Venezuela (Táchira, Mérida, Trujillo) south through the Andean ranges of Colombia (Antioquia to Nariño), Ecuador, and Peru. It continues further sout...
Least Concern
- The Buff-banded Tyrannulet is named for its distinctive pale buff wing-bars, a key field mark for this small flycatcher. - Despite being a common sight in its range, detailed breeding information, such as clutch size and incubation periods, remains poorly documented. - It frequently serves as a...