White-throated Tyrannulet

The white-throated tyrannulet (Mecocerculus leucophrys) is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. == Taxonomy and systematics == The International Ornithological Committee and the Clements taxonomy recognize these 11 subspecies of the white-throated tyrannulet: BirdLife International's Handbook of the Birds of the World does not recognize M. l. montensis but includes it within M. l. nigriceps. Some subspecies differ significantly in their morphology, suggesting that they might be separate species. M. l. pallidior has specifically been proposed as a species but not enough data are available for all of the taxa to make decisions. This article follows the 11-subspecies model. == Description == The white-throated tyrannulet is 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in) long. The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies M. l. leucophrys have a dark olive-gray crown and nape. They have white lores and a thin white supercilium on an otherwise dusky face with some white on the ear coverts. Their upperparts are medium olive-gray. Their wings are brownish black with cinnamon-buff to yellowish buff edges and tips on the flight feathers. Their wing…