Serpophaga subcristata
The White-crested Tyrannulet (Serpophaga subcristata) is a diminutive and active passerine, a member of the diverse tyrant-flycatcher family (Tyrannidae). Measuring approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) in length and weighing 7-10 grams, it presents a generally understated plumage, characterized by dull olive-grey upperparts, a paler greyish throat, and dingy whitish underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, and the source of its name, is a crisp white crest on its dark crown, which is often concea...
This species prefers open woodlands, forest edges, scrublands, second-growth forests, and riparian thickets, thriving at low to moderate elevations typically up to 1500 meters, occasionally higher.
Its diet consists almost entirely of small insects and other arthropods, which it obtains by gleaning from vegetation and making short aerial sallies.
The White-crested Tyrannulet is a highly active, diurnal bird, constantly on the move through the lower and mid-canopy. It forages methodically, primarily gleaning small insects and other arthropods from foliage and twigs, but also performing quick, acrobatic sallies to snatch prey in flight. Its...
Primarily found in southeastern South America, its extensive range spans across eastern and central Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. Three subspecies are recognized, each with a distinct distribution: *S. s. subcristata* occupies the eastern parts of the ran...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the White-crested Tyrannulet is not a 'songbird' in the oscine sense, but rather a suboscine, belonging to the ancient tyrant-flycatcher family. - Its signature white crest, while striking, is often kept flattened and concealed, making identification a fun challenge until the ...