Hylophilus thoracicus
The Lemon-chested Greenlet (*Hylophilus thoracicus*) is a vibrant, small songbird of the Vireonidae family, measuring approximately 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches) in length and weighing around 10-12 grams. Its striking appearance is characterized by olive-green upperparts and a distinctive slate-grey crown and nape, which sharply contrast with its bright lemon-yellow underparts that fade to whitish on the lower belly. Key field marks include this grey crown, the vivid yellow chest, and a subtle wh...
This greenlet primarily inhabits humid broadleaf forests, forest edges, secondary growth, cultivated areas, and riparian woodlands, typically found at lower to mid-elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Its diet consists predominantly of small insects and other arthropods, which it gleans from leaves and branches. It occasionally supplements this insectivorous diet with small fruits or berries.
The Lemon-chested Greenlet is a diurnal and highly active insectivore, spending its days meticulously gleaning small arthropods from foliage in the mid-story and canopy layers. It typically forages alone or in pairs, though it frequently joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season, ben...
The Lemon-chested Greenlet is widely distributed across eastern and southeastern South America, primarily as a year-round resident. Its core range extends from central-eastern Brazil, specifically from Bahia southwards through Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and...
Least Concern
- Despite its vibrant coloration, the Lemon-chested Greenlet can be surprisingly challenging to observe, often remaining hidden in the dense canopy. - Its scientific name *Hylophilus thoracicus* literally translates to 'forest lover with a chest' (referring to its bright yellow underparts). - The...