Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea)

Identification & Behavior: ~11 cm (4.3 in). The Torrent Tyrannulet is gray with a blackish head, wings, and tail. The wing coverts show two white wing bars. It sallies for flying insects from rocks on fast flowing rivers and creeks. It also ventures out to forage along roads near creeks and rivers. While not similar, it forages at the same habitat as the Black Phoebe.

Status: The Torrent Tyrannulet is fairly common along fast flowing rivers and creek on the east and west slopes of the Andes at elevations ranging between 800-3100 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Moscareta de los Torrentes.

Sub-species: Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea cinerea), (Tschudi), 1844.

Meaning of Name: Serpophaga: Gr. serphos= gnat and phagos= eating. cinerea: L. cinis, cineris= ashes, cinereus= ash-grey, ash-colored.

See more of the Family Tyrannidae