Phylloscartes kronei
The Restinga Tyrannulet (*Phylloscartes kronei*) is a diminutive and strikingly marked passerine, endemic to the highly threatened *restinga* forests of southeastern Brazil. Measuring approximately 10.5 cm in length and weighing around 7-8 grams, its small size belies a vibrant plumage: olive-green upperparts contrast sharply with bright yellow underparts, a grayish head, and a distinctive pale yellowish eye-ring. Two prominent yellow wingbars are key field marks, especially noticeable agains...
Exclusively inhabits lowland coastal *restinga* forests, a unique ecosystem characterized by sandy soils and stunted, dense vegetation. Found at elevations typically below 100 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small arthropods, including insects and spiders. Forages by gleaning and sallying from foliage and twigs.
This active, diurnal tyrannulet constantly forages through the mid to upper canopy and dense understory of its *restinga* habitat. It employs a 'hover-glean' and 'sally-glean' foraging strategy, plucking insects and spiders from leaves, twigs, and bark, often with a distinctive upward flick of th...
The Restinga Tyrannulet is an extremely localized endemic, found only along a narrow strip of coastal *restinga* forest in southeastern Brazil. Its range is restricted to the states of São Paulo and Paraná, with the majority of records concentrating in fragmented patches between Cananéia in São P...
Endangered
- The Restinga Tyrannulet was only formally described in 1991, making it a relatively recent discovery for ornithologists. - Its scientific name, *kronei*, honors the German naturalist and explorer, Ricardo Krone, who collected specimens in the region where the bird was found. - This species is a...