The eye-ringed flatbill is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Mexico, every Central American country, and Colombia.
Region
Mesoamerica and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through all Central American countries into northwestern Colombia. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, riparian corridors, and tall secondary growth. The species forages mainly in the shaded midstory and canopy edges, avoiding very open areas. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats where sufficient tree cover remains. In Colombia it is mostly on the Pacific slope and adjacent lowlands.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The eye-ringed flatbill is a small Neotropical tyrant flycatcher recognized by its conspicuous pale eye-ring and broad, flat bill adapted for sally-gleaning insects. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks in humid forests. Like several flatbills, it builds a domed or pendant nest with a side entrance, typically well concealed in dense vegetation. Its song is a series of soft, whistled notes that can be easily overlooked in the forest understory.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies and hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season. The nest is a well-hidden domed or pendant structure with a side entrance, placed in dense foliage. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, thin whistles and high, slightly descending notes, often repeated at intervals. Calls are subtle and easily masked by louder forest birds, aiding its inconspicuous nature.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly duskier crown, yellowish-olive underparts, and two pale buff wingbars; feathers appear smooth and non-glossy.
Diet
Primarily captures small insects and other arthropods by sally-gleaning from leaves and twigs. It also hawks briefly for flying prey and may hover to pick insects from foliage. Occasional consumption of small berries or seeds is reported but is minor compared to insect prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded midstory and lower canopy along forest edges, gaps, and riparian corridors. Often forages in mixed flocks where it exploits disturbed foliage and small clearings. Avoids wide-open habitats lacking tree cover.
