Pogonotriccus poecilotis
The Variegated Bristle Tyrant (Pogonotriccus poecilotis) is a diminutive yet striking member of the Tyrannidae family, measuring approximately 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) in length. Its appearance is characterized by a vibrant yellowish belly and undertail coverts, complemented by an olive-green back. A particularly distinctive feature is its head pattern, showcasing a prominent white supercilium that sharply contrasts with dark ear coverts, giving it a somewhat masked look. Two clean white wingbars...
Primarily inhabits humid montane evergreen and cloud forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth. Typically found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,700 meters (4,900 to 8,900 feet) above sea level.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of small arthropods, including insects, which it captures by gleaning from vegetation or through short aerial sallies. Occasionally supplements its diet with small berries or fruits.
The Variegated Bristle Tyrant is a diurnal and highly active insectivore, often observed in the mid-story and subcanopy of dense forest. It employs classic flycatcher foraging strategies, primarily gleaning small insects from foliage and branches, but also making quick, agile sallies to snatch fl...
The Variegated Bristle Tyrant is a year-round resident found exclusively along the Andean mountain chain in northwestern South America. Its distribution extends from the Western and Central Andes of Colombia, southwards through both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes in Ecuador, and fina...
Least Concern
- The specialized 'bristles' around its bill, known as rictal bristles, are thought to help in detecting and funneling flying insects into its mouth. - Despite its distinctive markings, it is often a challenging bird to observe due to its preference for the dense, often fog-shrouded cloud forests...