Yellow tyrannulet facts for kids
The yellow tyrannulet (Capsiempis flaveola) is a very small passerine bird that belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family. These tiny birds live and breed in areas stretching from Nicaragua in Central America all the way south to northeastern Argentina and southeastern Brazil in South America. It is the only bird in its group, called the genus Capsiempis. Scientists have sometimes placed it in other groups because its exact family tree is a bit tricky to figure out.
You can often find yellow tyrannulets in thick bushes, along the edges of forests and streams, in areas where new plants are growing after old ones were cleared, and in bushy fields or open spaces. They build their cup-shaped nests from plant fibers and grass blades. They often decorate the outside of the nest with moss. These nests are usually placed 2 to 7 meters high in a tree, a shrub, or even a maize (corn) plant. A female yellow tyrannulet typically lays two white eggs. These eggs are usually plain, but sometimes they have very light reddish-brown spots.
Quick facts for kids Yellow tyrannulet |
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Capsiempis
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| Species: |
flaveola
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What Does the Yellow Tyrannulet Look Like?
The yellow tyrannulet is a small bird, about 10.5 to 11.4 centimeters (4 to 4.5 inches) long. It weighs around 8 grams, which is about as much as two quarters. It has a slim body and a small beak, making it look a bit like a tiny vireo or a warbler.
Its back and upper parts are olive-green. Its belly and underparts are a bright, sunny yellow. The bird's head has whitish or pale yellow stripes above its eyes, which are called supercilia. Its wings and tail are dusky brown, with faint yellow edges on the feathers. It also has two yellowish bars on its wings.
Both male and female yellow tyrannulets look similar. However, young birds are a bit browner on top and have a paler yellow color underneath.
Sounds and Songs
The yellow tyrannulet makes a soft call that sounds like pewik. When they sing together, their song is a rhythmic pee-tic-keek. The way they look and the sounds they make can vary slightly depending on where they live.
What Do Yellow Tyrannulets Eat?
Yellow tyrannulets are very active birds. You can often see them in pairs or small family groups. They search for food by picking insects and spiders off leaves. They also catch prey by making short, quick flights from their perch. Besides insects and spiders, they also enjoy eating small berries.
