The dusky-capped flycatcher is a passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in the United States, Mexico, every Central American country, Trinidad, and in every mainland South American country except Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Neotropics (Mexico, Central America, Trinidad, and much of South America)
Typical Environment
Occurs from the southwestern United States and Mexico through all of Central America, on Trinidad, and across most of mainland South America except Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It favors humid and semi-humid forests, gallery and riparian woodlands, and well-vegetated second growth. Most common in the forest midstory and along edges, ravines, and shaded clearings. It adapts well to broken forest and tall shade in agroforestry landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tyrant flycatcher is best recognized by its dusky cap, olive-brown back, pale yellow belly, and warm rufous edgings in the tail and wings. It frequents shaded forest interiors and edges, often perching quietly before sallying out to catch insects. In the southwestern United States it is a seasonal breeder, while farther south it is mostly resident. Its soft, plaintive whistles help distinguish it from similar Myiarchus flycatchers.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forested habitat. Breeding pairs nest in tree cavities, including old woodpecker holes and natural crevices, lining the cavity with plant fibers. Clutch size is typically 3–4 eggs, and both adults feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives soft, plaintive, whistled phrases, often rising notes like “peeur” or “peeu.” Vocalizations are subdued compared to some congeners, delivered from shaded perches within the forest.
