Phyllomyias urichi
The Urich's Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias urichi) is a minute, olive-green passerine, measuring a mere 11-11.5 cm in length and weighing just 7.5-8.5 grams. It is distinguished by its grayish crown, contrasting pale yellowish-white supercilium, and a prominent eye-ring that frames dark eyes. Its upperparts are a dull olive-green, while the underparts transition from a yellowish-white throat and breast to a paler belly, often with an olive wash on the flanks. The dusky wings feature two noticeable y...
This highly localized species exclusively inhabits humid montane evergreen and cloud forests, as well as their borders and secondary growth, typically at elevations between 800 to 1200 meters, occasionally reaching 1500 meters.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of small arthropods, predominantly insects and spiders, which it primarily obtains by gleaning them from foliage and twigs or occasionally by making short aerial sallies.
Urich's Tyrannulet is a diurnal and highly active insectivore, spending its days tirelessly foraging in the forest mid-story and subcanopy, likely roosting concealed within dense foliage at night. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning small arthropods from the underside of leaves and sl...
The Urich's Tyrannulet boasts one of the most restricted distributions among South American birds, being entirely endemic to the isolated montane regions of northeastern Venezuela. Its primary strongholds are found on the Paria Peninsula, within the states of Sucre and Monagas, and further west o...
Vulnerable
- The Urich's Tyrannulet is entirely endemic to a minute geographical area within northeastern Venezuela, making it a true regional specialist. - It was scientifically described in 1899 by Hans von Berlepsch, based on specimens collected by Frederick W. Urich, for whom the species is named. - Des...