Guatemalan tyrannulet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guatemalan tyrannulet |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Zimmerius
|
| Species: |
vilissimus
|
 |
|
The Guatemalan tyrannulet (also called the paltry tyrannulet) is a very small bird. It belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family. These birds are found in southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and southern Belize.
This little bird was once thought to be the same species as the mistletoe tyrannulet. But now, scientists know they are different birds.
Contents
About the Guatemalan Tyrannulet
The Guatemalan tyrannulet is a common bird. It lives from lowlands up to about 2,600 meters high. You can find it in wet areas like forests. It also lives in places where trees are growing back, in tree-filled pastures, and in shady gardens.
What the Guatemalan Tyrannulet Looks Like
This bird is about 11 to 12 centimeters long. That's about the size of your hand! Its back and wings are olive-green. The top of its head is a dull grey. It has grey stripes above its eyes.
Its wings are dark with yellow edges. It does not have wing bars. Its tail is long and dark. The throat and chest are off-white with grey streaks. Its belly is white. The sides of its body have a dull yellow-green color. Its long legs are dark.
Boy and girl tyrannulets look very much alike. Young birds have an olive-colored head. Their eye stripes are more yellow. They also have wider, lighter wing bars.
Sounds of the Tyrannulet
The Guatemalan tyrannulet makes a loud peeer sound. Its morning song is a sad yer-de-dee, yer-de-dee.
Nesting and Life Cycle
The nest of the Guatemalan tyrannulet is shaped like a ball. It has an opening on the side. The birds build it from mosses. They line the inside with soft plant fibers.
They might build their nest among mosses or hanging plant roots. Sometimes, they build it inside a large dead leaf. They might even build it inside or under another bird's nest! These nests are usually 2 to 15 meters above the ground.
A female bird usually lays two eggs. The eggs are dull white with reddish marks. The mother bird sits on the eggs for 14 to 15 days until they hatch. The baby birds stay in the nest for about 17 more days before they are ready to fly.
What the Tyrannulet Eats
The Guatemalan tyrannulet is a very active bird. You usually see it alone or in pairs. They like to stay high up in trees.
They mostly eat mistletoe berries. But they also eat other berries and small insects. They catch their food while flying. They quickly fly out from a branch to grab a berry or insect, then fly back to their perch.
