The olive-faced flatbill or olive-faced flycatcher is a species of bird in the tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforest of Bolivia, Brazil (western Amazonia), Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It favors terra firme and várzea forests, as well as forest edges and secondary growth with dense vine tangles. Most activity is in the understorey to midstory along shaded trails, river margins, and light gaps. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tyrant flycatcher was split from the Yellow-olive Flatbill complex and is now recognized as a distinct species in western Amazonia. Its broad, flat bill helps it sally-glean insects from leaves and twigs in the forest midstory. It often travels quietly in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks. The species builds a pendant, bag-like nest suspended from branches, often near water.
Temperament
quiet, unobtrusive, and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain small territories. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks in the understorey and midstory. Nests are pendant, bag-like structures woven from plant fibers and moss, typically suspended from branch tips near water or along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and short, repeated phrases that carry in the understory. Calls include soft tseet and peee notes, delivered intermittently while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with an olive-washed face and dusky auriculars, contrasting with a paler throat. Underparts yellow to yellow-olive, with brighter yellow edging on the wing coverts and secondaries. Feathers are smooth and compact, giving a neat, clean appearance.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. It also hawks short distances to snatch flying prey and may hover to pick items from leaf surfaces. Occasional small spiders and rarely tiny berries may be taken.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understorey to midstory of humid forest, especially along edges, streams, and vine tangles. Often works methodically along branches and leaf clusters in semi-open midstory strata.
