The grey-crowned flatbill or grey-crowned flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland tropical forests of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It inhabits humid evergreen forest, terra firme and várzea edges, and well-wooded secondary growth. Most activity is in the shaded midstory and canopy edges where it gleans from broad leaves and twigs. It tolerates some disturbance but is most numerous in large tracts of mature forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tyrant flycatcher is best detected by its clear, whistled calls rather than by sight, as it forages quietly in the midstory. It often joins mixed-species flocks and uses a broad, flattened bill to glean insects from foliage. Like other Tolmomyias, it builds a hanging, pouch-like nest with a side entrance. Despite its wide range, it remains locally common in intact tropical forests.
In Yasuni National Park, Ecuador
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, often skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, darting sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, frequently accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft contact notes. The nest is a pendant, pouch-like structure of fibers and spider webs with a side entrance, suspended from slender branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, thin whistles and short series of high, piping notes, often delivered from concealed perches. Phrases can accelerate slightly and are repeated at intervals, carrying well in dense forest.
