Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (Camptostoma imberbe)

The Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet is a very small flycatcher (the smallest in North America) of Mexico and Central America, with a range that just reaches the United States in southern Arizona and New Mexico, and the southern tip of Texas. It gets its name because unlike many flycatchers, it lacks specialized bristles around the mouth that help to capture flying insects. Perhaps because of the lack of these bristles, the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet may focus more on slower, more easily captured insects than do other flycatcher species.

Habitat

Found in semi-open woodlands throughout its range. In the United States, it favors riparian areas with cottonwoods and willows, or mesquite stands, in its Arizona range. In Texas, it is mostly found in open woodlands, including mesquite stands.

Diet

Feeds on insects and spiders, and may on occasion feed on berries and seeds.

Behavior

Foraging by observing from a perch, and flying out to capture insects in mid-air, or by briefly hovering and gleaning insects from foliage and branches of vegetation. It will also clamber through branches of shrubs or trees in search of insects.

Nesting

The nest of a Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet is a small, rounded mass of grasses and weeds, with an entrance hole on the side. The female usually lays 3 eggs. Both parents help to feed the young when they hatch.

Song

The song of a Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet is a descending series of clear whistles.

Migration

Considered a permanent resident throughout most of its more tropical range, in the United States it is mostly migratory, although small numbers may remain in winter in southern Arizona and Texas.

Interactive eBird map

Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Northern Beardless Tyrannulet sightings

Similar Species

Somewhat similar to other small, gray flycatchers, such as Dusky Flycatcher , Willow Flycatcher , Hammond's Flycatcher , and Gray Flycatcher .

Conservation Status

Populations are found over a wide geographic area, they are common in parts of their range, and numbers may be increasing. The IUCN lists the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet as a species of "Least Concern".

Photo Information

Photo taken by " Melanie" - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License.