The flammulated flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae. It was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Deltarhynchus but was moved to the genus Ramphotrigon based on genetic analysis. It is endemic to the dry deciduous forest, arid thorn forest, and scrubby woodland of Mexico’s Pacific coast. The flycatcher is an olive to gray-brown bird with a streaked, pale gray chest, white throat, black bill, dark gray feet, and dark brown wings. It is a skulking bird that typically remains hidden in the underbrush. It feeds by gleaning insects off of leaves and twigs that it spots from an exposed perch. The female lays approximately three eggs in a nest made in a shallow tree cavity.
Region
Western Mexico (Pacific slope)
Typical Environment
Occupies tropical dry deciduous forest, arid thorn forest, scrubby woodland, and edges along the Pacific coast. It favors dense understory and thickets, often near seasonal streams or arroyos. Birds are most often detected in semi-open patches where they can perch-watch and glean. It generally avoids humid montane forest and extensive open agricultural lands.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Mexico’s Pacific slope, the flammulated flycatcher is a small, secretive tyrant flycatcher that keeps to dense understory in tropical dry forests and thorn scrub. Once placed in the monotypic genus Deltarhynchus, genetic studies moved it to Ramphotrigon. It often hunts by sallying short distances from low perches to glean insects from leaves and twigs. Nesting typically occurs in shallow tree cavities, with clutches of about three eggs.
Flammulated flycatcher at Llano de Horno, Mexico.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests in shallow natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, with the female laying around three eggs. Pairs defend small territories within suitable understory habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, including thin tsip notes and short squeaky phrases. The song is modest and easily overlooked, often delivered from shaded understory perches.
