Neopelma pallescens
The Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin (Neopelma pallescens) is a small, inconspicuous passerine bird, measuring approximately 11.5-12.5 cm (4.5-4.9 inches) in length and weighing around 12-15 grams. Its plumage features olive-green upperparts, contrasting with a clean, pale belly that ranges from whitish to pale yellow, giving it its characteristic name. A distinctive, though often concealed, bright yellow crown patch is present on both sexes, framed by a greyish head and nape. While its common nam...
This species primarily inhabits the understory of humid lowland forests, including terra firme and gallery forests, often found at edges or in areas of secondary growth, generally below 600 meters in elevation.
The diet of the Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin consists mainly of insects, such as small beetles, flies, and ants, along with spiders, supplemented by small berries and fruits. It forages by sallying from perches to catch flying insects or gleaning them from vegetation.
The Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin is a diurnal and rather secretive bird, often observed alone or in pairs, typically staying hidden within the dense forest understory. It primarily forages by sallying out from a perch to snatch insects in mid-air, a behavior reminiscent of flycatchers, but also gl...
The Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin is resident across a significant portion of South America, primarily within Brazil, eastern Bolivia, eastern Paraguay, and the extreme northeastern tip of Argentina (Misiones province). In Brazil, its distribution extends from Maranhão south through Goiás and Minas...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin belongs to the Manakin family (Pipridae), not the Tyrant Flycatcher family (Tyrannidae). - The genus name *Neopelma* translates to 'new skin' or 'new sole', possibly referencing its smooth tarsus or a taxonomic distinction at the time of ...