Baird's flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Tumbesian region
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry to semi-humid tropical forests, woodland edges, and scrub across southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It favors open canopies, riparian thickets, and second-growth where tall perches are available. The species also uses agricultural mosaics, plantations, and disturbed habitats, provided scattered trees remain. It is generally a lowland and foothill bird and is considered a year-round resident throughout its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Baird's flycatcher is a Tumbesian specialty of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It often hunts from exposed perches, sallying out to snatch flying insects before returning to the same spot. The species is named after the American naturalist Spencer Fullerton Baird.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories with prominent song perches. During breeding, pairs defend nesting areas and may chase intruders vigorously. Nests are often placed in cavities or sheltered nooks in trees or structures, lined with plant fibers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, carrying whistles and chattery phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls are clear and piercing, often repeated in short sequences at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with faint streaking and warm rufous edging on wings and tail; underparts buffy to yellowish with dusky streaks on the breast. Head shows a bold pale supercilium and dark eye-stripe with a whitish throat. Overall impression is of a medium-sized, streak-breasted tyrant flycatcher with warm-toned wings and tail.
Diet
Primarily feeds on flying insects such as beetles, flies, wasps, and moths, taken in mid-air during short sallies. It also gleans prey from foliage and branches when available. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically, especially in the dry season when insects are less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, river corridors, and roadsides where visibility for aerial hawking is good. Often uses prominent snags, wires, or canopy tops as hunting perches.
