Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A tiny flycatcher with a big head that is often peaked at the rear, a slender body, and a short, narrow tail. The bill is short and stubby compared to the longer, sharper bills of other U.S. flycatchers.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Bushtit, smaller than a Western Kingbird.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 4.5-5.5 in (11.5-14 cm)
    • Weight: 0.3 oz (7.5 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.1 in (18 cm)

  © Bradley Hacker 🦜 / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Males and females are grayish olive with a slightly darker crown and neck and paler underparts. The wings are blackish with two dull white to buffy wingbars. The base of the bill is orange-yellow. Juveniles are similar to adults but have broader cinnamon wingbars.

• Behavior

  Picks insects from vegetation in a manner similar to a vireo or warbler; doesn't fly out after insects as frequently as other flycatchers do. Flicks its tail up and down while hopping through vegetation.
• Habitat

  Found in woodlands, thickets, and edges along streams or dry washes.