The Choco sirystes, formerly known as the western sirystes, is a species of passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. It is found Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.
Region
Chocó biogeographic region
Typical Environment
Occurs along the humid Pacific slope from eastern Panama through western Colombia into northwestern Ecuador. It inhabits lowland and foothill evergreen forests, especially mature forest and tall secondary growth. Most activity is in the mid‑story to canopy, including along forest edges and near clearings. It tolerates some disturbance but is strongly tied to tall, humid forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly treated within the ‘western sirystes’ complex, the Choco sirystes was split based largely on distinct vocalizations and range. It is a canopy flycatcher, often heard giving far‑carrying, whistled phrases at dawn and dusk. Typically shy and high in the treetops, it is more often detected by voice than seen clearly.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within tall forest. Forages by sallying from high, exposed perches and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nesting is presumed to be an open cup placed high in the mid‑story to canopy, with both parents tending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, far‑carrying series of whistled notes, often rendered as sharp, rising phrases repeated at intervals. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, the song can carry over long distances in humid forest. Calls are piercing, simple whistles that are useful for identification.
Plumage
Mostly dusky gray to brownish‑gray above with paler gray underparts and a slightly paler throat. Subtle pale edging on the wing coverts and tail, and a faint, slight crest can be noted. The rump is not strikingly white; undertail coverts can appear slightly lighter.
Diet
Primarily catches flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths by aerial sallying from high perches. Also gleans arthropods from foliage and outer branches. May occasionally take small berries, but animal prey dominates its diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid‑story and canopy of humid forest, along edges, light gaps, and near rivers where insects are abundant. Often hunts from prominent exposed perches that allow repeated sallies into open airspace.
