The grey silky-flycatcher or grey silky flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Ptiliogonatidae. It is usually found only in Guatemala and Mexico, but vagrants have turned up in the southern United States. It is found in montane forest and adjacent scrub, both mesic and xeric.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Found mainly in the highlands of central and southern Mexico south into Guatemala. Prefers pine–oak and cloud forests, as well as forest edges, adjacent scrub, and second growth. It also uses semi-open habitats with scattered trees, including orchards and shade-coffee plantations. Birds may shift locally between mesic and drier slopes following fruit availability.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the silky-flycatcher family (Ptiliogonatidae), this species has soft, silky plumage and a small crest. It often forms loose flocks outside the breeding season and follows fruiting trees across montane slopes. While largely confined to the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala, it occasionally wanders north as a vagrant to the southern United States. Both parents typically participate in nesting and feeding young.
P. c. molybdophanes, Guatemala
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Often travels in small groups outside the breeding season and may join mixed-species flocks. Breeding pairs build a cup nest in trees, with both sexes involved in care. Territoriality increases during nesting but remains relatively loose compared to many flycatchers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are soft, thin, and sibilant, consisting of high, whispery notes and gentle twitters. Vocalizations carry poorly in dense forest but are frequently given during social foraging and courtship.
Plumage
Silky, smooth gray plumage with a slight crest and long, graduated tail; males are darker slate-gray, females paler brownish-gray. Underparts are slightly paler than the upperparts, with clean, even coloration.
Diet
Feeds on small fruits and berries, including mistletoe and other fleshy species, often swallowing them whole and later dispersing seeds. Also hawks flying insects from exposed perches and gleans arthropods from foliage. Diet composition shifts seasonally with fruit availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in the canopy of pine–oak and cloud forests, and in semi-open areas with fruiting trees. Frequently visits orchards, forest clearings, and second growth with abundant berries.
