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The torrent tyrannulet, Serpophaga cinerea, is a diminutive member of the tyrant flycatcher family. This sprightly bird measures a mere 10 to 11.4 centimeters in length and tips the scales at approximately 8 grams. The male is distinguished by its pale grey upperparts and a greyish white underbelly, transitioning to pure white at the throat and lower belly. A striking feature is the black cap above the eye level, which conceals a secret white crown patch, while the wings and tail exhibit a blackish hue adorned with two slender grey-white wing bars. The female mirrors the male in plumage, albeit with a greyer head and a smaller or sometimes absent crown patch. Juveniles can be recognized by their browner cap, a brownish wash over the upperparts, and broader, more yellowish wing bars.
When attempting to identify the torrent tyrannulet, look for its pale grey and white plumage, the concealed white crown patch on the males, and the characteristic wing bars. The bird's small size and agile movements are also key identification features.
The torrent tyrannulet is an inhabitant of rocky mountain streams, thriving at elevations ranging from 300 to 2200 meters. It is less frequently encountered at lower altitudes where the water currents are gentler. Notably, there has been a nesting record in Costa Rica at an elevation as low as 35 meters, potentially due to displacement by hydroelectric projects along the Sarapiquí River.
