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Overview
Grey-hooded flycatcher

Grey-hooded flycatcher

Wikipedia

The grey-hooded flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

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Distribution

Region

Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America

Typical Environment

Occurs from southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (e.g., Misiones). It favors humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, forest edges, and well-vegetated gullies. Often found near streams and in bamboo or vine tangles within the lower to mid understory. It can use secondary growth and shaded plantations adjacent to native forest, provided dense cover is present.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size12–13.5 cm
Wing Span18–21 cm
Male Weight0.013 kg
Female Weight0.012 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A small tyrant flycatcher of the Atlantic Forest, the grey-hooded flycatcher is easily recognized by its contrasting grey head and warmer underparts. It forages quietly in the understory, often at fruiting shrubs where it takes small berries as well as insects. By consuming fruit, it helps disperse seeds and contributes to forest regeneration. It tolerates secondary growth and forest edges, but remains linked to humid forest habitats.

Gallery

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Behaviour

Temperament

shy and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies

Social Behavior

Usually alone or in pairs in the breeding season; may join mixed-species understory flocks while foraging. Nests are typically mossy, purse-like structures placed low to mid-level, often near stream banks or in shaded ravines. Both adults attend the nest and feed the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, consisting of thin whistles and short tseet notes. The song is simple and repetitive, often delivered from a concealed perch in dense understory.

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