Sooty-headed Tyrannulet vs Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet

In short

The Sooty-headed Tyrannulet and Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet can be differentiated by their elevation ranges and rump coloration. The Sooty-headed Tyrannulet is found below 1800 meters and has an olive back with a sooty crown, while the Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet is found from 1800 to 3100 meters and features a distinctive cinnamon rump.

Identification tips

1. Elevation: Check the altitude; Sooty-headed is below 1800m, Tawny-rumped is above 1800m. 2. Rump Color: Look for the cinnamon rump of the Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet. 3. Crown Color: Note the sooty crown of the Sooty-headed versus the black cap of the Tawny-rumped. 4. Vocalizations: Listen for the distinct calls; rolling for Sooty-headed and high, thin for Tawny-rumped.

Size

Both species are small tyrannulets, similar in size.

Plumage

The Sooty-headed Tyrannulet is olive above with a sooty crown and pale yellowish underparts, whereas the Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet is olive-brown above with a black cap, cinnamon rump, and yellow belly. Both have a white supercilium, but the Tawny-rumped also has black wings with two buffy wing bars.

Behaviour

Both species can be found foraging solitarily or within mixed flocks.

Habitat

The Sooty-headed Tyrannulet inhabits areas below 1800 meters, while the Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet is found at higher elevations, from 1800 to 3100 meters.

Voice

The Sooty-headed Tyrannulet has rolling and snappy calls, whereas the Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet has a high, thin, two-part call.