Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis
The Subtropical Doradito (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) is a diminutive, yet striking, member of the Tyrannidae family, a true flycatcher native to South America. Measuring approximately 11-12.5 cm (4.3-4.9 inches) in length and weighing a mere 7-10 grams, it possesses a slender build typical of its genus. Its plumage is characterized by bright, golden-yellow underparts contrasting with olive-brown upperparts, a distinct pale supercilium, and dusky ear-coverts. The wings display two subtle ye...
This species primarily inhabits high-altitude marshlands, moist montane scrub, and grassy edges of wetlands, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 meters (4,900-11,500 feet) in the Andes. It shows a strong affinity for areas with dense, emergent vegetation near water sources.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths, which it captures by sallying flights or gleaning.
The Subtropical Doradito is a diurnal and generally solitary bird, though it may be observed in pairs during the breeding season. Its foraging strategy is typical of a tyrant flycatcher, involving short, agile sallies from low perches to snatch flying insects from the air or glean them from folia...
The Subtropical Doradito has a fragmented but extensive distribution along the Andes mountains of South America. Its primary breeding range extends from extreme southern Colombia and Ecuador, through Peru and Bolivia, south into northwestern Argentina. While largely resident in parts of its range...
Least Concern
- Despite its small size, the Subtropical Doradito's buzzy, sputtering song can carry a surprising distance across its high-altitude marshland habitats. - Its scientific name, *Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis*, translates roughly to "false *Colopteryx* with pointed wings," referring to its similarit...