Small, crested flycatcher restricted to desert scrub and dry forest in lowlands and foothills of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It is best identified by its bushy, split crest that shows some white when lifted. The white crest helps separate it from the similar Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet. Actively flits around in bushes and trees, often giving dry, squeaky calls. Quite scarce in Ecuador except on Isla de la Plata, where it is usually easy to find; more common in parts of its Peruvian range.