Flavescent flycatcher

The flavescent flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Northern Andes

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid montane forests and edges from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador to northern Peru. Prefers cloud forests, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and riparian borders. Common along trails, light gaps, and semi-open slopes where perches are available. It often uses the understory to midstory, venturing into small clearings to forage.

Altitude Range

800–2500 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size11–13 cm

Wing Span18–21 cm

Male Weight0.011 kg

Female Weight0.01 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A small Andean tyrant flycatcher, the flavescent flycatcher is named for its yellowish underparts. It frequents humid montane forest edges and clearings where it makes short sallies to snatch insects. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks and can be surprisingly inconspicuous despite its warm yellow wash.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and alert

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, often joining mixed-species flocks in the understory and midstory. Breeding pairs defend small territories and construct a small cup nest placed in sheltered vegetation. Displays short perch-to-perch movements while foraging.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft series of thin, high-pitched notes and short trills delivered from a low perch. Calls include sharp ‘tsip’ or ‘tseet’ notes given while foraging.

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Identification

Leg Colordark gray

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Olivaceous-brown upperparts with dusky wings and two pale buff wingbars; underparts warm yellow to flavescent, slightly paler on the throat. Tail brownish with subtle edging; feathering appears smooth and neat without heavy streaking.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on small flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths, which it captures by sallying from exposed perches. Also gleans arthropods from foliage and twigs and may hover briefly to pick prey from leaves. Foraging is methodical, with frequent short flights and quick returns to a favored perch.

Preferred Environment

Understory to midstory of humid montane forest, edges, and second growth. Often along forest trails, streamside borders, and bamboo patches where light gaps concentrate insect activity.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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