The grey-hooded flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Compact flycatcher with a smooth grey hood and nape contrasting with olive-green upperparts; underparts warm buff to rufous, sometimes slightly paler on the throat. Shows two buffy wingbars and dusky wings with olive edging. Tail is olive-brown and fairly short.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of small fruits and berries (e.g., melastomes) and a variety of insects and other arthropods. Forages by gleaning from foliage and making short sallies to snatch prey. Fruits are often swallowed whole, aiding seed dispersal through the forest.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded understory and lower midstory of humid forest, along trails, and at forest edges with dense shrubs. Frequently visits fruiting bushes near streams and in vine tangles.
