What’s the deal with this animal?

I’m often asked about the animal that appears on my business card.

First, it’s a real animal.

It’s not a muppet.

It’s a bird: the scale-crested pygmy tyrant.

The scale-crested pygmy tyrant is a species of tyrant flycatcher that belongs to the passerine order of birds, a group known as ‘perching birds,’ which includes many ‘songbirds’, including it’s arguable more spectacular relative, the tropical royal flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus).

The scale-crested pygmy tyrant is found in tropical forests, including lowland areas and montane forests, and ranges from Costa Rica to Peru and Venezuela. Like other tyrants, the scale-crested pygmy tyrant feeds primarily on insects.

While relatively common—the scale-crested pygmy tyrant is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not particularly endangered—the species moves quickly and is most active in the shade of the forest understory, making it somewhat difficult to see unless pinpointed by its whistle-like call.

The individual pictured above was captured by scientists conducting research at Las Cruces Biological Station, Costa Rica 🇨🇷. The ornithologists are attaching a plastic band around the bird’s ankle so it can be recorded if captured again in the future.

Why did I choose this obscure bird to represent Mongabay?

For a while, the scale-crested pygmy tyrant was the mascot for Mongabay, and I personally (separate from Mongabay) support a conservation project to protect its habitat in Colombia 🇨🇴.

I chose the bird partly because of its rainforest habitat, but mostly because of this specific photo. I find that when I give out my business card, most people ask about the creature pictured. They ask questions about it, which prompts a conversation and is more likely to leave them with a memory of the exchange, rather than something they instantly forget when they walk away.

Hence, the choice of the scale-crested pygmy tyrant as Mongabay’s mascot.