Phyllomyias plumbeiceps
The Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet (*Phyllomyias plumbeiceps*) is a diminutive, yet striking, member of the diverse Tyrannidae family, often measuring a mere 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches) in length and weighing just 7-9 grams (0.25-0.32 oz). Its most distinctive field mark is its eponymous lead-gray (plumbeous) crown, which contrasts subtly with an olive-green back and yellowish underparts, further accented by two prominent yellowish wing-bars. This subtle yet elegant coloration, combined with its sm...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane evergreen forests, cloud forests, and their borders, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 meters (3,900 to 9,200 feet) above sea level.
Predominantly insectivorous, its diet consists mainly of small arthropods such as beetles, flies, and caterpillars, which it gleans from foliage or catches in short aerial sallies; occasionally consumes small berries.
The Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet is an active, diurnal insectivore, primarily observed foraging singly or in the canopy and subcanopy of montane forests. It employs a classic flycatcher strategy, sallying forth from perches to snatch insects in mid-air, but more commonly gleans small arthropods f...
The Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet is a resident species found exclusively in the Andean highlands of South America. Its primary breeding and year-round range extends along the eastern slope of the Andes, from northern Colombia through Ecuador, and south into northern Peru. In Colombia, it is found...
Least Concern
- Its genus name, *Phyllomyias*, translates to "leaf flycatcher," accurately reflecting its primary foraging strategy of gleaning insects from foliage. - The term "plumbeous" in its name refers to its distinctive lead-gray crown, a key but often subtly perceived field mark. - Despite belonging to...