The orange-eyed flatbill or orange-eyed flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests of southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northeastern Peru. It favors terra firme and lightly flooded forest, edges, and second-growth with a well-developed midstory. Birds typically keep to shaded vine tangles and leafy mid-canopy, moving deliberately while gleaning prey. It is patchily distributed but can be locally fairly common where suitable habitat remains.
Altitude Range
100–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The orange-eyed flatbill is a recently described member of the tyrant flycatchers, notable for its vivid orange iris that contrasts with its olive plumage. It forages methodically in the lower to mid-canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks. Like other Tolmomyias, it builds a long, pendulous nest and may place it near wasp nests for protection. Its distinctive voice and eye color help separate it from similar flatbills.
Temperament
quiet and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct sallies
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Nests are long, pendulous structures suspended from branches, sometimes placed near active wasp nests for protection. Breeding pairs defend small territories within mature or semi-open forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, whistled notes and thin, piping phrases repeated at intervals. Calls include sharp chips and soft, rising whistles used to keep contact within pairs and flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly browner wings edged yellow-olive; underparts yellowish to yellow-olive with paler throat. Head olive to gray-olive with a broad, flat bill. Two narrow yellowish wingbars are present and the iris is bright orange, a key field mark.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and slender branches. It also sallies short distances to snatch flying insects. Occasional small berries may be taken opportunistically, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower to mid-canopy of mature terra firme forest, forest edges, and tall second-growth. Often concentrates in vine tangles and leafy outer branches along streams or gaps.
