The cinnamon flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, mainly in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, ravines, and mossy, epiphyte-laden midstory. Often seen along trails and near streams where perches are available. It is generally resident throughout its range, with some local upslope or downslope movements in response to weather and food availability.
Altitude Range
900–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tyrant flycatcher, the cinnamon flycatcher is notable for its rich, uniform rufous coloration that stands out in mossy cloud forests. It typically perches quietly before sallying out to snatch insects, and often joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges and trails. Though widespread across the northern and central Andes, it is tied to humid montane habitats and tends to be more common at mid to upper elevations.
Temperament
quiet and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallying from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, often along forest edges and midstory perches. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks moving through cloud-forest edges. Builds a small open cup nest of moss and fibers, typically on sheltered ledges or earthen/mossy banks. Both parents participate in territory defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sibilant tsee notes and short, tinkling trills delivered from a midstory perch. Calls include soft, sharp sip or tsip contact notes used while foraging. Vocalizations carry modestly in dense, humid forest.
