The handsome flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and possibly Bolivia.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east and west slopes of the northern and central Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and possibly adjacent Bolivia. Prefers humid montane cloud forests, elfin forest, and forest edges with dense mossy growth. Most frequently uses the midstory to canopy, but will drop to lower levels along gaps and edges. It tolerates some secondary growth where mature trees and epiphytes remain.
Altitude Range
1500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small Andean tyrant flycatcher often joins mixed-species flocks moving through cloud-forest midstory and edges. Its common name alludes to its neat, contrasting plumage for a generally subtle group. It forages by quick sallies and gleaning from foliage, rarely sitting still for long.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Often travels in mixed-species foraging flocks with tanagers, warblers, and other tyrant flycatchers. Pairs defend small breeding territories during the nesting season, remaining in contact with thin calls. Nests are typically well concealed in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tsee or see notes, sometimes accelerating slightly. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a slightly grayer crown, bright yellow underparts, and two narrow whitish wing bars. Subtle dusky wash across the upper breast; wings and tail darker with pale edging. Feathers are smooth and neat, giving a clean, tidy appearance.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs or taken in short aerial sallies. It inspects epiphyte-laden branches and mossy tangles where prey hides. Occasionally takes small berries, especially in cooler or wetter periods when insects are less active.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and mixed flocks’ routes. Frequently forages around mossy branches, bromeliads, and along stream margins within forest.
