The black-capped flycatcher is a very small passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Costa Rica and western Panama highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in cloud forests, elfin forests, and adjacent second growth of the Talamanca and associated highland ranges. It favors forest edges, gaps, and shrubby clearings, as well as along roads and stream corridors within montane forest. Birds often descend to gardens or pastures with scattered trees near forest. It is generally absent from lowlands and extensive dry habitats.
Altitude Range
1800–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny highland tyrant flycatcher is one of the few Empidonax species that is relatively straightforward to identify thanks to its dark, sooty cap. It is a montane specialist of Costa Rica and western Panama, often perching conspicuously at forest edges. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season and sallies out to snatch flying insects.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories during the breeding season. Builds a small cup nest placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees within dense vegetation. Outside the breeding season it may accompany mixed-species flocks along forest edges and clearings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and sharp ‘tsip’ or ‘pit’ notes. Dawn song is a simple series of delicate, squeaky phrases delivered from an exposed perch.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a contrasting sooty-black cap; pale grayish face and throat; whitish to pale yellow underparts with a light yellow wash on the belly and flanks. Wings show two pale buff wingbars and subtle edging. Tail and wings are dusky with lighter fringes.
Diet
Primarily consumes small flying insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, and moths, which it catches by sallying from a perch. It also gleans insects from foliage when conditions are cool or windy. Occasional small berries may be taken when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, shrubby openings, roadsides, and riparian corridors within montane forest. Often hunts from low to mid-level perches with good visibility into gaps or along edges.
