The lesser kiskadee is a species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Panama and every mainland South American country except Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, though only as a vagrant in Argentina.
Region
Tropical Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Panama south through much of tropical South America, absent from Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and only a vagrant to northern Argentina. It favors riparian corridors, marshes, oxbow lakes, and mangroves, typically where shrubs and low trees overhang the water. Common along edges of flooded forests (várzea and igapó), backwaters, and slow-moving rivers. It also uses human-altered wetlands and ponds provided there is nearby cover for perching. Local abundance is closely tied to availability of waterside perches and emergent vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lesser kiskadee is a small tyrant flycatcher strongly tied to water, often perching low over rivers, oxbow lakes, and marsh edges. It is the sole member of the genus Philohydor and resembles a smaller, slimmer Great Kiskadee. Its conspicuous black mask and bright yellow underparts make it easy to spot as it sallies out to catch insects. Despite its wide range, it is generally common where suitable waterside habitat exists.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or family groups along waterways where it maintains small territories. Pairs remain near water year-round and nest in low vegetation or trees close to the shoreline. Both sexes participate in territory defense and provisioning. It often shares riparian habitats with other flycatchers but keeps to its preferred low, waterside perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp 'chip' notes, rattling trills, and chattering series delivered from exposed perches. The voice is higher-pitched and less strident than the Great Kiskadee’s well-known call. Calls are given frequently during territory advertisement and pair contact.
