The cliff flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is known in every mainland South American country except Chile and may occur there as well.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Found widely across mainland South America in rocky landscapes, including the Andes, Brazilian Shield, and coastal escarpments. It favors cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls, and often colonizes man-made vertical structures. The species occurs in cities, nesting on buildings and bridges where ledges mimic natural sites. It forages over open areas adjacent to rock faces and along river gorges. Local movements occur in response to food availability and weather.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, the cliff flycatcher is a tyrant flycatcher, not related to swallows; its genus name hints at its swallow-like flight. It readily uses human structures such as quarries, bridges, and high-rise buildings as substitutes for natural cliffs. In flight it shows a distinctive rufous tail and rump that flash against otherwise dark plumage.
H. f. sclateri on the cliifs above Loreto Road in Ecuador
Temperament
alert and active, often bold near nesting sites
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, swooping sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may nest in loose aggregations on suitable cliff faces. Pairs defend nest ledges and return to favored perches repeatedly. Nests are placed on narrow ledges or crevices, including on buildings and bridges, and both sexes attend the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp chip notes and lively, twittering series during displays. Calls are high-pitched and rapid, often delivered in flight near cliffs.
Plumage
Dusky brown to slaty upperparts with a contrasting rufous rump and tail; wings dark with warm rufous panels visible in flight. Underparts are pale cinnamon to buffy with subtle mottling. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a streamlined look suited to aerial sallies.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as flies, beetles, termites, bees, and wasps. It forages by sallying from exposed perches and by coursing along cliff faces and over open ground. Prey is captured on the wing, with quick turns and short chases. It may also glean briefly from rock surfaces.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along vertical rock faces, over river gorges, and above open areas adjacent to cliffs. In urban settings it hunts around buildings, bridges, and quarries where updrafts concentrate insects.
