Nutting's flycatcher is a passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found from Mexico to Costa Rica.
Region
Mesoamerica (Pacific slope of Mexico to Costa Rica)
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly on the Pacific slope from western Mexico south through Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and into northwestern Costa Rica. It favors tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, and open woodland with scattered trees. Common along edges, second growth, riparian corridors, and semi-agricultural mosaics with hedgerows. It avoids dense, wet forest interiors but will use clearings and forest margins. Often found near human settlements where suitable trees and perches are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Nutting's flycatcher is a small tyrant flycatcher of dry forests from western Mexico to Costa Rica, often confused with similar Myiarchus species. It is best told by its all-dark bill, pale yellow belly, rufous edging in the wings and tail, and distinctive calls. It perches conspicuously and makes short sallies to catch insects, frequently returning to the same exposed perch. It nests in tree cavities, including old woodpecker holes and natural crevices.
Temperament
alert and perching, moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Defends a territory that includes preferred perches and nesting cavities. Nests in tree cavities, often reusing natural holes or abandoned woodpecker cavities, and both adults participate in territory defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, dry whip or whit notes and short burry whistles. The song is a simple series of clear, slightly descending phrases. Calls are often given from high exposed perches and help separate it from similar Myiarchus flycatchers.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with grayish head and breast, blending into a pale yellow belly; wings and tail show warm rufous edging. Overall appearance is clean and slightly contrasty with a dusky face and pale underparts.
Diet
Primarily eats insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, wasps, and flies, captured in mid-air or gleaned from foliage. It makes short sallies from a perch and returns to the same or nearby perch. Occasionally consumes small fruits or berries, especially in the dry season when insects are less abundant. Forages mostly in the mid to upper levels of trees and along edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, and open woodland with scattered trees and clear sightlines. Frequently uses forest edges, riparian strips, and semi-open agricultural landscapes with perches such as fence lines and shade trees.
