The northern beardless tyrannulet (Camptostoma imberbe) is a small passerine bird from the tyrant flycatcher family. This fascinating species is found from southeastern Arizona and Texas in the United States, extending through Mexico and Central America to northwestern Costa Rica.
Key Facts About the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet
- Length: Approximately 10.2 cm (4.0 inches).
- Weight: Around 7.5 grams (0.26 ounces).
- Distinctive Call: A loud whistled “Fleeeeeerrr” or sometimes broken into “fleeer-it” or “flee-flee-flee-flee”.
- Breeding Season: Year-round, with nest-building involving plant fibers or leaves.
- Diet: Insects, spiders, and berries.
Subspecies Details
The northern beardless tyrannulet has three recognized subspecies:
- Camptostoma imberbe imberbe
- Camptostoma imberbe ridgwayi
- Camptostoma imberbe thyellophila
Size and Appearance
These birds are compact and lightweight, measuring about 10.2 cm in length and weighing approximately 7.5 grams. They feature a dark brown head with an erectile crest, pale supercilium, grey-green upperparts that turn paler on the rump, brown wings edged with yellow feathers, two whitish wing bars, a brown tail, grey throat, yellowish breast, and yellow abdomen.
Differences Between Male and Female
Both sexes look similar; however, they always appear less vibrant than their close relative—the southern beardless tyrannulet (C. obsoletum).
Habitat and Distribution
The northern beardless tyrannulet thrives in light forests but can also adapt to cultivated areas and gardens with trees throughout its range, which extends from southeastern Arizona down through Mexico into Central America.
Preferred Landscapes
This species prefers habitats such as light woodlands, where trees provide ample nesting sites. It often utilizes tree forks for its distinctive domed nests made of plant fibers or leaves.
Diet and Eating Habits
Northern beardless tyrannulets actively forage like vireos or warblers, mainly feeding on insects and consuming spiders and berries when available.
Migration Patterns
There’s no significant migratory behavior noted for this species since it breeds year-round across its range, including Arizona locations.
Conservation Status
It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution; however, ongoing habitat loss could pose future threats if not managed properly.
