The orange-banded flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes (southern Ecuador to northern Peru)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east slope of the Andes in southern Ecuador and adjacent northern Peru, favoring humid montane cloud forest and elfin forest. It keeps to the midstory and canopy of moss-laden, epiphyte-rich woodlands, often along ridgelines and forest borders. Birds are frequently detected within mixed-species foraging flocks, especially in relatively undisturbed forest. It avoids heavily deforested and open areas.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A little-known Andean tyrant flycatcher, the orange-banded flycatcher inhabits humid cloud forests where it often joins mixed-species flocks. Its striking orange pectoral band is distinctive but can be briefly hidden as it moves quickly through mossy midstory foliage. It is sensitive to forest degradation and fragmentation, which restricts it to relatively intact montane habitats.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as singles or pairs that frequently integrate into mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Pairs defend small territories in breeding season and likely build a small cup nest concealed among moss or epiphytes. Parental care is presumed biparental, as in many tyrant flycatchers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin notes and short trills delivered from concealed perches, often interspersed with sharp chips while foraging. The voice is subtle and can be masked by ambient forest sounds, making the species easier to miss without experience.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a slightly grayer head; underparts yellowish with a conspicuous orange pectoral band. Two pale wingbars and dusky wings with lighter edging; tail olive-brown. Fine, neat feathering suited to humid, mossy habitats.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to capture insects in flight. Opportunistically may take small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to lower canopy of humid cloud and elfin forests, especially in mossy, epiphyte-laden trees. Often feeds along forest edges and along ridges where mixed flocks pass.
