Lesser Greenlet
NameLesser Greenlet
Common NameLesser Greenlet
Scientific NameHylophilus decurtatus
FamilyVireonidae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsFeatures a distinct grey crown and nape, contrasting with an olive-green back, wings, and tail. The throat and underparts are whitish, often with a faint yellowish wash on the flanks. It has pale lores and a relatively short, pointed bill.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a rapid, repetitive series of high-pitched, whistled notes, often described as 'chew-chew-chew' or 'swee-swee-swee'. It also gives various short, sharp call notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central America, from southern Mexico south through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, extending into northwestern South America (Colombia and Ecuador).
Identifying FeaturesGrey cap, Olive-green back, Whitish underparts, Small size, Active foraging behavior, Repetitive whistled song
Description
The Lesser Greenlet is a small, active passerine bird characterized by its grey head, olive-green back, and whitish underparts. It typically forages in the canopy and subcanopy of forests, often joining mixed-species flocks.
