Tyrannulus elatus
The Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet (Tyrannulus elatus) is a diminutive and sprightly member of the Tyrannidae family, instantly recognizable to keen observers by its often-concealed lemon-yellow crown patch, which gives the species its common name. This small flycatcher typically measures around 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches) in length and weighs a mere 6-9 grams (0.2-0.3 oz), making it one of the smallest tyrant flycatchers within its extensive Neotropical range. Its plumage is generally olive-green abo...
This species thrives in humid lowland tropical and subtropical forests, frequently inhabiting the canopy and sub-canopy of both primary growth and disturbed secondary woodlands, as well as forest edges and clearings with scattered trees, up to approximately 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small arthropods, including flies, beetles, and caterpillars, often supplemented with small berries or fruits. Foraging is typically done via sally-gleaning and sally-striking from perches in the canopy.
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulets are diurnal and highly active, typically foraging alone or in mixed-species flocks high in the forest canopy. Their primary foraging strategy involves "sally-gleaning" or "sally-striking," where they make short, quick flights from a perch to snatch small insects from le...
The Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet boasts an extensive resident distribution across tropical South America and Trinidad. Its range extends from central Panama (where it is scarce and potentially accidental, primarily on the Caribbean slope), through northern and western Colombia, eastern Ecuador, east...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet is one of the smallest tyrant flycatchers in its vast Neotropical range, weighing less than a quarter of an ounce. - Its bright lemon-yellow crown patch, while distinctive, is often concealed and can be a challenging field mark to observe. - This species is the sol...