The citron-bellied attila is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Western and central Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland rainforest across parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and southern Venezuela. Favors terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, often near forest edges, light gaps, and along rivers. Most frequently uses the midstory and lower canopy, where it perches to scan for prey. It tolerates some secondary growth but is most numerous in intact forest.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The citron-bellied attila is a robust tyrant flycatcher with a distinctive lemon-yellow belly that stands out in the dim light of Amazonian forests. It often sits quietly in the midstory before making short, decisive sallies to snatch prey. Despite its shy demeanor, its clear, whistled calls can carry far through the forest. It is generally considered common where suitable lowland forest remains.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, perching quietly in the midstory for long periods. It defends small territories and may join mixed-species flocks only sporadically. Nests are cup-shaped and placed well above the ground; both sexes likely share parental duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, penetrating whistles and mellow, spaced notes that carry through the forest. Calls include sharp, emphatic notes when alarmed and softer phrases during dawn vocalizations.
Plumage
Upperparts olive-brown with warmer tones on the wings; underparts bright citron-yellow from breast to belly. Feathers are smooth and fairly plain, giving a clean, unpatterned look. Bill is broad-based and slightly hooked at the tip, typical of Attila flycatchers.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, captured by sallying from a perch or gleaned from foliage. It occasionally snaps up small arthropods mid-air and may take small vertebrates or berries opportunistically. The broad, slightly hooked bill helps subdue larger prey items.
Preferred Environment
Forages from shaded perches in the midstory and lower canopy of mature forest. Often hunts along edges, light gaps, and river margins where prey is more easily detected.
