The ornate flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Andes of southern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru, mainly in humid montane and cloud forests. It prefers forest borders, second growth, and clearings within mature forest, often near streams. The species forages in the understorey to midstory, using exposed perches to sally for prey. It adapts to moderately disturbed habitats provided tree cover and a layered canopy remain.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small Andean flycatcher favors humid montane forests and is often seen at forest edges and along shaded streams. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, making brief sallies to catch flying insects before returning to the same perch. Despite habitat loss in parts of its range, it remains fairly common locally. Its bold yellow underparts and contrasting facial pattern make it one of the more easily recognized small tyrant flycatchers.
Mashpi Reserve - Ecuador
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low to mid-level perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or loosely associated with mixed-species flocks. Pairs defend small breeding territories within suitable forest. The nest is typically placed well-concealed in vegetation overhanging a bank or stream, with a small clutch typical of tyrant flycatchers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched squeaks and short, buzzy trills, often repeated from a semi-exposed perch. Calls are sharp and penetrating, carrying through the forest understory and used to keep contact when in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with two pale wingbars and bright yellow underparts. The head is dusky with a contrasting pale crescent behind the eye and lighter throat, giving a masked appearance. Flight feathers are darker with pale edging; the tail is short and often flicked.
Diet
Primarily hunts small flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths, captured by quick aerial sallies. It also gleans arthropods from foliage and twigs when opportunities arise. Small berries may be taken occasionally, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, light gaps, and near shaded streams within humid montane forest. Often uses the same perch repeatedly, making brief dashes into open spaces before returning.
