Birds Active during the day

Guatemalan Tyrannulet

Zimmerius vilissimus

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A pint-sized powerhouse of the Central American highlands, the Guatemalan Tyrannulet is a master of the canopy. Known for its love of mistletoe and its tireless energy, this little green bird is a frequent visitor to well-planted gardens.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 9.5–10.5 cm (3.7–4.1 in); Weight: 7–10 g (0.25–0.35 oz)

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Colors

Dull olive-green upperparts, greyish crown, and pale yellow to whitish underparts. Wings show prominent yellow feather edging.

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Key Features

Tiny, energetic flycatcher with a short, dark bill
Yellowish edging on wing coverts and flight feathers
Greyish-olive crown that contrasts with a greener back
Faint, pale yellowish eyebrow (supercilium)

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6:30-10:30 AM, 3:00-5:30 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Omnivorous, specializing in small berries (especially mistletoe) and tiny invertebrates like spiders and aphids gleaned from foliage.

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Habitat Humid forest edges, montane evergreen forests, shaded coffee plantations, and mature gardens.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Guatemalan Tyrannulet Live?

The Guatemalan Tyrannulet is native to the highland regions of northern Central America. Its core range extends from the southern Mexican state of Chiapas through the mountainous interiors of Guatemala, El Salvador, and into southern Belize. It is a resident species throughout its range, thriving in moist, subtropical environments where the forest meets open clearings.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

4 Countries

120K km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

GT Guatemala MX Mexico SV El Salvador BZ Belize

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

600 m – 2,500 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Guatemalan Tyrannulet is a restless and highly active small bird, rarely staying in one spot for more than a few seconds. Unlike many flycatchers that 'sally' out to catch insects in mid-air, this species prefers to glean its prey directly from leaves or hover briefly to pluck small fruits. They are particularly famous for their specialized diet, often centering their territories around mistletoe plants.

Socially, they are typically seen alone or in pairs. While they don't usually join large mixed-species flocks, they are not particularly shy of humans and can be found in well-planted suburban gardens or coffee plantations. Their presence is often detected by their voice—a persistent, high-pitched, downslurred 'pee-yurr' call that carries surprisingly well through the forest canopy.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Guatemalan Tyrannulet on an AI camera requires a strategy focused on their specific foraging habits. Because they are small and move quickly through the canopy, placing your camera near 'magnet' plants is essential. Look for mistletoe clusters or small-berried shrubs; these birds are remarkably loyal to productive fruit sources and will return to the same branches multiple times a day.

Mount your camera at a height of 5 to 8 feet, ideally angled slightly upward into the mid-story where these birds spend most of their time. Since they are tiny and lightweight, set your camera's PIR (motion) sensitivity to its highest setting to ensure the sensor triggers. A fast trigger speed is critical, as they often hover for just a second before moving to the next leaf.

Early morning is the best time for activity, so ensure your camera is positioned to avoid direct eastern glare. If you have a garden water feature, especially one with a gentle drip or misting function, place a camera there as well. These birds are frequent bathers, and the slow-motion video of a Guatemalan Tyrannulet in a birdbath is one of the most rewarding captures for any backyard researcher.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Guatemalan Tyrannulet.

Mistletoe Tyrannulet

Very similar but found further south (Nicaragua to Panama); it was formerly considered the same species as the Guatemalan Tyrannulet.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia

Much larger with a noticeable crest and distinct white wing bars, whereas the Tyrannulet is smaller with yellow wing edging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the early morning hours, typically from sunrise until about 10:30 AM. They have a second smaller peak of activity in the late afternoon before dusk.

The best way to attract them is by maintaining native fruiting shrubs and trees. They are especially drawn to mistletoe; however, providing a consistent water source like a birdbath with a dripper can also lure them down from the high canopy.

They are omnivores that eat a mix of small berries and tiny insects. Mistletoe berries are a staple of their diet, supplemented by spiders and insects they pick off leaves while hovering.

Yes, they are quite adaptable and frequently inhabit suburban gardens and coffee plantations, provided there is enough mature tree cover and a lack of heavy pesticide use.

Look for its tiny size and the bright yellow edges on its wing feathers. Unlike many other small flycatchers, it lacks a bold eye-ring and has a distinctive, constantly repeated 'pee-yurr' call.

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