Eared pygmy tyrant

Myiornis auricularis 1

Eared Pygmy Tyrant (Myiornis auricularis) is a small species of bird in the Tyrannidae family, which is part of the larger order of birds known as the Passeriformes. This species is notable for its diminutive size, making it one of the smallest passerines in its range. The Eared Pygmy Tyrant is found in various parts of South America, with its habitat spanning across countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. The bird prefers dense, tropical, and subtropical forests, especially areas that are humid and at a certain elevation, though it can occasionally be found in lower areas and near forest edges.

Description

The Eared Pygmy Tyrant typically measures a mere 6.5 to 7 cm in length and weighs around 4 to 5 grams. It has a distinctive appearance with olive-green upperparts and lighter, yellowish underparts. One of its most notable features is its "ears" — tufts of feathers that can be raised or lowered, which are not actually ears but give the bird its name. Its small size and coloration help it blend into the foliage, making it a challenge to spot in its natural habitat.

Behavior

The diet of the Eared Pygmy Tyrant primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. It is a solitary feeder, often seen foraging alone in the understory, where it adeptly maneuvers through leaves and branches to catch its prey. Its feeding technique involves quick, darting movements, snatching insects from the air or plucking them from leaves.

Breeding behaviors of this species are not well-documented, but like many other tyrant flycatchers, it is presumed to be monogamous. The nest is a small cup made of vegetation and spider webs, placed in a tree or shrub. The female lays and incubates the eggs, but details on the number of eggs, incubation period, and fledging time are scarce.

Conservation Status

As of the last assessment, the Eared Pygmy Tyrant is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status is due to its relatively wide distribution and presumed large population. However, like many species that inhabit the world's forests, it faces threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation. Conservation efforts to preserve its habitat are crucial for ensuring the species' long-term survival.

See Also

• Tyrannidae
• Passeriformes
• Conservation status