Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet
NameMottle-cheeked Tyrannulet
Common NameMottle-cheeked Tyrannulet
Scientific NamePhylloscartes ventralis
FamilyTyrannidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, contrasting with a paler yellowish-white belly. The head is olive with a distinctive mottled or streaked whitish cheek patch, a broken whitish eye-ring, and dark lores. Wings are dark with two prominent yellowish wing-bars and yellowish edging to the flight feathers. The tail is olive.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, thin, and often rapid series of 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'chip-chip-chip' notes, typically given while foraging.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is found in South America, ranging through the Andes from Venezuela south to northwestern Argentina, and also in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size (11-12 cm), Olive-green upperparts with yellowish-white belly, Mottled/streaked whitish cheek patch, Broken whitish eye-ring, Two yellowish wing-bars
Description
The Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet is a small, active flycatcher typically found in humid montane forests. It forages for insects in the mid-story and canopy, often flicking its wings and tail. Its olive-green plumage and distinctive facial markings help it blend into its forested habitat.
