Gray-and-white Tyrannulet
NameGray-and-white Tyrannulet
Common NameGray-and-white Tyrannulet
Scientific NamePhaeomyias murina
FamilyTyrannidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsThe head is grayish with a prominent, often spiky crest. Upperparts are olive-brown, contrasting with a paler, whitish throat and grayish-white underparts. Wings are dusky with two pale wing-bars, and the tail is dusky.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, rising 'peet' or 'wee-tee' call, often repeated. It may also give a series of short, sharp notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across much of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela south through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Also found in parts of Central America, specifically eastern Panama.
Identifying Featuresprominent crest, grayish head, olive-brown back, pale underparts, two pale wing-bars
Description
A small, active flycatcher, this species is characterized by its distinctive spiky crest and relatively plain plumage. It typically forages for insects in the mid-story of trees and shrubs, often flicking its tail. Despite its name, its plumage is more olive-brown than stark gray and white.
