The ochraceous-breasted flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east slope of the central Andes of Peru south into northern Bolivia, primarily in humid cloud forests. It favors moss-laden montane evergreen forest, forest edges, and thickets, often with abundant epiphytes and bamboo (Chusquea). Birds keep to the midstory and subcanopy, moving deliberately through shaded interiors. It may also use second-growth adjacent to mature forest, provided structure and humidity remain high.
Altitude Range
1600–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tyrant flycatcher of humid montane forests, it is typically seen in the midstory where it often joins mixed-species flocks. The warm ochre wash across the breast is its hallmark field mark. It forages by sallying short distances from perches to glean tiny insects from foliage and mossy branches. Habitat loss in the Andean cloud forests is its main threat.
Temperament
active and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often accompanies mixed-species flocks, moving singly or in pairs through the midstory. During breeding, pairs maintain small territories and stay in close contact with soft calls. Nests are typically mossy cups concealed in epiphytes or dense foliage, with a small clutch of eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of whistles and short trills, often given from a midstory perch. Calls are soft tsip notes used to keep contact within flocks. The song can be easily overlooked amid background forest noise.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a distinct ochraceous wash across the breast fading to yellowish underparts; grayish head with subtle pale spectacles. Two narrow whitish to buff wingbars and dusky wings with pale edging. Underparts are cleaner yellow toward the belly with the warmest tones on the breast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and makes short sallies to snatch insects midair. Occasional small berries may be taken, especially when insect activity is low. Foraging is deliberate, often focused on mossy substrates where invertebrates hide.
Preferred Environment
Midstory and subcanopy of humid cloud forests, especially in areas rich in epiphytes and bamboo. Frequently forages along forest edges and along trails or stream corridors with broken light.
