Birdsong field guide
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet
Camptostoma obsoletum
A tiny, inconspicuous tyrant flycatcher known for its bushy crest and surprisingly varied diet of insects and fruit.
What it sounds like
A high-pitched, thin, descending series of whistles, often transcribed as 'peee-yee-yee-yee'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
0:00 / 0:28
Field notes
- Despite its name, it lacks the rictal bristles (beak 'whiskers') that are characteristic of most other flycatcher species.
- It often builds its globular, domed nest in close proximity to social wasp nests to gain protection from predators.
- It displays a characteristic nervous habit of flicking its wings, often one at a time, while foraging through the canopy.
- The species is highly adaptable and is one of the few native flycatchers that thrives in heavily urbanized city parks and gardens.
- When agitated or displaying, it raises its crown feathers to form a distinct, messy, and often divided crest.
Habitat
Scrubby woodlands, gallery forests, second-growth thickets, and urban parks.
Range
Central and South America, ranging from Costa Rica south to central Argentina.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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