The grey-breasted flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Western Ecuador and northwestern Peru
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the Tumbesian dry forests, including deciduous and semi-humid woodlands, thickets, and forest edges. It favors the understory to midstory and is often near clearings, riparian strips, and secondary growth. The species persists in fragmented habitats but prefers areas with some canopy and understory structure. It is generally local and uncommon across its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, inconspicuous tyrant flycatcher of the Tumbesian region, the grey-breasted flycatcher favors dry to semi-humid forest understory and edges. It is often detected by its soft, high-pitched calls rather than by sight. Habitat loss in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru has led to regional declines, and the species is assessed as Vulnerable. It typically forages by short sallies from low perches to snatch insects.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallying flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests are likely small cups placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. It may join mixed-species flocks while foraging outside of breeding periods. Territorial behavior is moderate, focused around feeding and nesting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, including thin tsip calls and short, squeaky trills. Song phrases are brief and subdued, often delivered from shaded perches and easily overlooked in background forest noise.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a clean gray breast blending to a whitish throat and belly; faint wingbars and subtle facial pattern.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small flying insects, which it captures by sallying from low to mid-level perches. It also gleans arthropods from foliage and twigs. Foraging is methodical and includes frequent pauses between short flights.
Preferred Environment
Forages within shaded understory and along forest edges, including secondary growth and riparian zones. Often uses semi-open perches with nearby cover to launch short sallies.
