En bref

• Scientific Name: Phylloscartes paulista
• Spanish Name: Orejerito de São Paulo
• Famille : Tyrannidae
• Known Nicknames: São Paulo Tyrannulet, Cara-pintada
• Average Length: 10.5 cm / 4.1 in
• Average Weight: 7–8 g / 0.25–0.28 oz
• Envergure : 14–16 cm / 5,5–6,3 pouces
• Key Feature: Distinctive blackish crescent-shaped patch on the ear-coverts and pale yellow facial markings
• Régime alimentaire principal : Insectivore
• Range: Southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina
• Habitat: Understory and mid-story of humid Atlantic forest
• Social Structure: Solitary or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species foraging flocks
• Nesting/Breeding: Closed, pear-shaped nest suspended from branches
• Statut de conservation : Quasi menacé (NT)
• Évolution démographique : En baisse

The Sao Paulo Tyrannulet (*Phylloscartes paulista*) is a charming, tiny songbird native to the canopy of South America's Atlantic Forest. This diminutive flycatcher features a vibrant olive-green back, a soft yellowish belly, and a distinctive facial pattern characterized by a pale, prominent eyebrow and a dark eye-stripe that lends it a perpetually curious expression. Renowned for its restless energy, the tyrannulet's most captivating trait is its acrobatic foraging style; it frequently cocks its tail upright and performs delicate, hovering maneuvers to snatch insects from the undersides of leaves. Often found participating in lively mixed-species flocks, this near-threatened species is not only a delight for birdwatchers but also a vital indicator of the health of its fragile, disappearing forest ecosystem.

Faits amusants

This hyperactive little acrobat behaves more like a tiny gymnast than a bird, frequently hanging completely upside down from the undersides of leaves to snatch insects. When it isn't performing these mid-air stunts, it keeps its wings perpetually drooped and cocks its tail in a quirky, restless display. Perhaps its most deceptive trait is its voice; instead of a typical avian song, it emits a high-pitched, buzzing trill that sounds almost exactly like a cricket. To top off its eccentric personality, the distinct dark crescents behind its eyes give it the comical appearance of wearing permanent, dramatic eyeliner.

Habitats et répartition

Found within the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern South America, this species has a geographical range that encompasses southeastern and southern Brazil—stretching from Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais down to Rio Grande do Sul—as well as eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, particularly in the Misiones province. Within these regions, it primarily inhabits the canopy and mid-story of humid subtropical and tropical lowland forests, as well as montane forests up to elevations of around 1,000 meters. It shows a strong preference for primary forests and well-established secondary growth, often occurring near watercourses, forest edges, or in association with bamboo thickets.

Comportements & Reproduction

This active passerine is typically observed foraging singly, in pairs, or as a regular participant in mixed-species flocks traversing the canopy and mid-story of the forest. It exhibits a highly energetic search behavior, constantly flitting through foliage, hovering briefly to glean insects from the undersides of leaves, and characteristically cocking its tail. Its social structure is primarily centered around these stable pairs, which defend their immediate foraging territories through vocalizations and active displays. During the breeding season, the species forms monogamous pairs and constructs a delicate, pear-shaped or globular closed nest with a side entrance. Woven from moss, plant fibers, and spider silk, this nest is typically suspended from the thin, outer branches of trees to deter predators. While specific nesting data remains sparse, the female is believed to perform the bulk of the incubation, after which both parents cooperate closely to feed and protect the altricial nestlings.

Alimentation

The Sao Paulo Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes paulista) is a primarily insectivorous bird whose diet consists of a wide variety of small insects and other invertebrates found within its humid forest habitat. An interesting aspect of its feeding behavior is its highly active and acrobatic foraging style, which often takes place as part of mixed-species feeding flocks in the middle and upper canopy. To capture its prey, this agile flycatcher employs specialized techniques such as hover-gleaning, where it hovers momentarily to snatch insects directly from the undersides of leaves and twigs, as well as executing rapid, short aerial pursuits to catch prey mid-air. While searching for food, it constantly twitches its wings and cocks its tail upward, a distinctive behavioral trait that is believed to help flush out hidden insects from the dense foliage.

Couleurs

The Sao Paulo Tyrannulet has bright olive-green upperparts and pale yellow underparts, blending perfectly into its forest canopy habitat. Its face is marked by a distinctive yellowish-white eyebrow, a pale eye-ring, and a prominent dark crescent on the ear coverts. Two pale yellow wing bars contrast against its darker wings, completing a plumage designed for dappled-light camouflage.

Distribution Map

Places linked to this species. A sighting is never guaranteed.

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Détails de l'attraction

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Featured places

• Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar