The black-billed flycatcher is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia and Panama.
Region
Chocó–Darién region
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland rainforests from eastern Panama (Darién) into northwestern Colombia. Prefers primary and well-developed secondary forest, especially along streams, forest edges, and light gaps. Most activity is in the shaded understory and lower midstory, typically a few meters above ground. It tolerates some disturbance but depends on extensive tracts of humid forest. Its distribution is patchy where forest has been fragmented.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory tyrant flycatcher of the Chocó–Darién lowlands, it is most readily recognized by its entirely black bill and soft, thin whistles. It is Near Threatened due to rapid loss of lowland humid forest from logging and agriculture. Often overlooked because it keeps to shaded perches a few meters above the ground.
Temperament
solitary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in the understory. Forages by sallying from low, shaded perches and returning to the same or nearby perch. Nesting is poorly documented but likely involves a small open cup placed low to mid-height in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles and high chips, often given from concealed perches. Phrases are simple and spaced, making the bird easier to detect by ear than by sight.
Plumage
Dull olive-brown upperparts with slightly duskier wings and two narrow buff wingbars; underparts grayish-olive across the breast, grading to yellowish or buff on the belly. Feathers appear smooth with minimal streaking, giving a plain, clean look.
Diet
Primarily captures small flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths taken on short sallies from low perches. Also gleans arthropods from foliage and twigs. Occasional ingestion of tiny berries may occur but is not a major part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded understory and lower midstory of humid forest, along forest trails, stream edges, and light gaps. Often uses semi-open spots within otherwise dense vegetation to launch short foraging flights.
