Zimmerius albigularis
The Choco Tyrannulet (Zimmerius albigularis) is a diminutive yet distinctive flycatcher, measuring approximately 10-11 centimeters (4-4.3 inches) in length and weighing a mere 8-10 grams. Its plumage is characterized by olive-green upperparts and paler olive-yellow underparts. The most striking field mark, and the source of its scientific name *albigularis* (white-throated), is its crisp white throat, which contrasts with a faint grayish crown and a sometimes-present whitish supercilium. Two ...
The Choco Tyrannulet inhabits humid to wet evergreen montane forests, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth, typically at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,500 meters. It primarily favors the mid to upper canopy layers within these environments.
Its diet consists primarily of small insects and other arthropods, which it obtains through active gleaning from foliage and occasional aerial sallies. Opportunistically, it also consumes small fruits and berries, particularly those of mistletoe plants.
The Choco Tyrannulet is a diurnal and highly active arboreal insectivore, often observed darting among the branches. It employs a diverse foraging strategy, primarily gleaning small insects and arthropods from leaves and twigs while also performing quick, aerial sallies to capture flying prey. Th...
The Choco Tyrannulet is an endemic resident of the Choco Bioregion, a biodiversity hotspot spanning western South America. Its primary distribution extends along the Pacific slopes of the Andes and associated lowlands. In Colombia, it is found from the northern Chocó department south through west...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, *albigularis*, directly translates to "white-throated," perfectly describing its most distinctive feature. - Despite its small size, it plays an important role in forest ecosystems by consuming numerous insects. - It is a specialist of the Choco Bioregion, a biodiversity ho...