The bright-rumped attila or polymorphic attila is a small passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family (Tyrannidae). It breeds from northwestern Mexico to western Ecuador, Bolivia and southeastern Brazil, and on Trinidad.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occupies lowland and foothill tropical forests from northwestern Mexico through Central America to western Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Amazon Basin, Bolivia, southeastern Brazil, and Trinidad. Favors forest edges, second growth, riverine woodland, and semi-open habitats with scattered trees. It adapts well to disturbed forests, plantations, and shaded agroforestry systems. Often found from the understory to mid-canopy, using perches to scan for prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the polymorphic attila, this flycatcher varies markedly in plumage across its range, but the bright rufous-yellow rump is a key field mark, especially in flight. It gives loud, far-carrying whistles at dawn and dusk and often remains motionless before sallying after prey. Though primarily insectivorous, it will also take small vertebrates and fruit.
Sacha Lodge - Ecuador
Chan Chich Lodge area -Belize
Chan Chich Lodge area - Belize
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with perch-and-sally flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, defending feeding territories. Nesting is in a cup or bulky structure placed in shrubs or trees, typically at low to mid-levels. Likely monogamous, with both parents involved in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, loud whistled phrases delivered at dawn and dusk, often a repeated two- or three-note motif. Calls include sharp, carrying notes and plaintive whistles that travel far through forest edges.
Plumage
Variable (polymorphic) with olive-brown to rufous upperparts, contrasting bright rufous-yellow rump, and buffy to yellowish underparts; some birds show faint streaking on the throat and breast.
Diet
Takes a wide variety of insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, along with spiders. Also consumes small vertebrates like lizards or frogs on occasion. Fruits and berries are eaten seasonally, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages from shaded perches in forest edges, second growth, and semi-open woodlands. Frequently sallies to catch flying insects or drops to foliage and the ground to pounce on prey.
