Myiornis auricularis
The Eared Pygmy Tyrant (Myiornis auricularis) is a diminutive avian marvel, holding the distinction of being one of the smallest passerines in the world and the smallest of the tyrant flycatchers. Measuring a mere 6.5-7 cm (2.6-2.8 in) in length and weighing just 3-4 grams (0.11-0.14 oz), this bird is easily overlooked amidst the dense understory of its Atlantic Forest home. Its plumage is subtly charming: olive-green upperparts, a contrasting white throat and belly, and a pale yellow wash on...
This species primarily inhabits the humid evergreen broadleaf forests of the Atlantic Forest biome, favoring dense understory and forest edges from lowlands up to approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) elevation.
The Eared Pygmy Tyrant feeds almost exclusively on small insects and spiders, which it captures by gleaning from foliage or making short aerial sallies.
The Eared Pygmy Tyrant is a diurnal, generally solitary or paired bird, often found foraging quietly in the forest understory or mid-canopy. Its foraging strategy involves short, agile sallies to snatch tiny insects and other arthropods from leaves and twigs (gleaning) or from the air (hawking), ...
The Eared Pygmy Tyrant is endemic to the humid Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America, exhibiting a largely resident distribution. Its primary range extends across southeastern Brazil, from Bahia south through Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, to northern R...
Least Concern
- The Eared Pygmy Tyrant is one of the smallest birds in the world, often weighing less than a U.S. quarter coin. - Its common name 'Eared' refers to the subtle dark facial patches that resemble small ears, rather than actual ear tufts. - Despite its minuscule size, its vocalizations are surprisi...