The grey-capped flycatcher is a passerine bird, a member of the large tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America through Panama into Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northern to central Brazil. It favors edges of lowland and foothill forests, riparian corridors, wetlands, and second-growth. It is common in open countryside with scattered trees, cattle pastures, plantations, and village edges. The species also frequents river islands and gallery forests in otherwise open landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A conspicuous tyrant flycatcher, the grey-capped flycatcher often perches in the open on wires or exposed branches near water or forest edges. It sally-hawks for insects and also takes small fruits, which helps disperse seeds. It can be confused with the social flycatcher and rusty-margined flycatcher, but the gray crown and more subdued facial pattern help separate it. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes such as pastures and plantations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories along waterways and edges. Courtship includes vocal exchanges and perch-chasing. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in trees or shrubs, frequently near open areas; both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp chips and squeaky chatter; calls carry well from exposed perches. Song is a quick, repetitive series of notes delivered energetically at dawn and during territorial interactions.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a gray crown, white throat, and bright yellow underparts. Narrow whitish supercilium with a dusky eye mask; wings and tail show warm rufous edging. Bill is broad-based and dark; overall appearance is clean and crisp with strong contrast between head, throat, and belly.
Diet
Primarily takes flying insects by sallying from exposed perches, including beetles, flies, wasps, and winged ants. It also gleans prey from foliage and occasionally from the ground. Fruits and berries are consumed regularly, especially in the non-breeding season or when insect activity is low. Seed dispersal occurs as it passes fruit pulp through the gut.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, riverbanks, open clearings with scattered trees, and agricultural areas. Frequently hunts over water and along fence lines, roadsides, and pasture edges where insects are abundant.
