Mecocerculus stictopterus
The White-banded Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus stictopterus) is a captivating, diminutive passerine belonging to the diverse Tyrannidae family, a group often encountered flitting through the high-altitude forests of the Andes. Measuring a mere 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches) in length and weighing approximately 8-10 grams, it presents a delicate, agile profile. Its plumage is characterized by an olive-gray back, a prominent white supercilium that contrasts with a darker, often dusky cap, and two strikin...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, and their borders, preferring the canopy and mid-story. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,500 meters (6,000 to 11,500 feet) above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small flying insects and other arthropods, which it catches by active sallying and gleaning from vegetation in the mid-story and canopy.
The White-banded Tyrannulet is a highly active, diurnal species, constantly on the move as it forages. It exhibits a typical tyrannid foraging strategy, sallying out from a perch to snatch flying insects, but also frequently gleans arthropods directly from foliage and twigs. While often observed ...
The White-banded Tyrannulet is a resident species distributed throughout the Andes Mountains of South America, exhibiting no significant migratory movements. Its extensive range spans from the coastal mountains of northern Venezuela, south through the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and into ce...
Least Concern
- Despite its small size, the White-banded Tyrannulet is a remarkably active forager, rarely staying still for more than a few seconds. - It is a quintessential member of mixed-species foraging flocks in the Andes, often acting as a "nuclear" species that other birds follow. - Its scientific name...