Capsiempis flaveola
The Yellow Tyrannulet (Capsiempis flaveola) is a diminutive and sprightly Neotropical flycatcher, captivating birders with its vibrant plumage and restless energy. Measuring a mere 9.5-11 cm (3.7-4.3 in) in length and weighing 6-8 g (0.21-0.28 oz), it is one of the smallest members of the Tyrannidae family. Its striking field marks include a dull olive-green back, bright lemon-yellow underparts contrasting with a paler throat, a prominent yellowish supercilium, and two distinct yellowish wing...
This species primarily inhabits moist broadleaf forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and overgrown clearings, often near water sources. It typically forages in the understory and mid-story vegetation at low to moderate elevations.
The diet consists almost exclusively of small insects, including beetles, flies, wasps, and caterpillars, which it catches by gleaning from foliage or making short aerial sallies.
The Yellow Tyrannulet is a highly active, diurnal bird, often seen alone or in pairs, constantly flitting through foliage. Its foraging strategy involves active gleaning of insects from leaves and twigs, interspersed with short, agile sallies to snatch airborne prey; it often holds its tail cocke...
The Yellow Tyrannulet boasts a wide and largely resident distribution across Central and South America, extending from eastern Nicaragua and Costa Rica, through Panama, and into northern and western South America. Its range continues south through Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Gui...
Least Concern
- The Yellow Tyrannulet is the only species in its genus, Capsiempis, making it a truly unique member of the flycatcher family. - Its scientific name, 'flaveola,' is Latin for 'yellowish,' perfectly describing its prominent plumage. - Despite the 'tyrannulet' moniker, which often implies aggressi...