The Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant (Myiornis atricapillus), one of the smallest songbirds in the world, was recently identified by a group of researchers conducting a biodiversity survey in the forested region of Warunta, in the Honduran Moskitia. The species was observed twice, and at least three individuals were heard. Its presence was confirmed through comparisons of audio recordings and photographs, sparking excitement among the researchers due to the significance of the finding.
Photo by Edwin Javier Miranda Mejía
This research was supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which convened independent researchers, the Institute for Forest Conservation (ICF), and the National Autonomous University of Honduras. The goal was to better understand the biodiversity of one of the country’s most important forest remnants, which has been preserved by the Miskitu people and is being proposed for permanent protection with support from the Honduran government.
The Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant had previously only been recorded as far north as Nicaragua, but with this discovery, its known range now includes Honduras. Continued research in these intact forests may lead to the identification of even more species of flora and fauna, highlighting the urgent need for their conservation.
Distribution of Myiornis atricapillus on eBird
This record marks a significant milestone in Honduran ornithology, as it constitutes the 784 bird species documented in the country, further enriching the national avifaunal inventory. Moreover, it reinforces the biological and conservation importance of the Warunta area, a site that continues to reveal its value as a refuge for species rarely seen in Honduras. The discovery was made as part of the technical studies necessary to declare the area as a Miskitu Indigenous Anthropological Reserve. The confirmed presence of Myiornis atricapillus underscores the urgent need to move forward with legal protection and participatory management of the site, given its potential as critical habitat for ecologically important species.