The pale-edged flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia. Favors forest edges, clearings with tall trees, secondary growth, and riparian corridors. Typically uses the mid to upper forest strata, perching quietly before making short sallies. Tolerates moderately fragmented habitats and may appear along roads and trails within forested zones.
Altitude Range
1000–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A montane tyrant flycatcher of the northern Andes, the pale-edged flycatcher is often first detected by its sharp, whistled calls. It forages by sallying from mid-story perches and often returns to the same vantage point. Identification can be tricky among Myiarchus species, but its pale-edged wing feathers and gray hood with a yellowish belly are helpful clues.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season, maintaining small territories. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes; clutch size is typically small, and both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled phrases and sharp 'wheeep' or 'prrreep' notes, often repeated from a high perch. The song is simple but carries well through cloud forest, aiding long-distance communication.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a gray head and breast, contrasting with a pale yellow to yellowish belly; wings show pale buff edging and two pale wing bars, with rufous tones in the primaries and tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on flying insects captured by aerial sallies from exposed perches. Also gleans caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods from foliage and twigs. Will occasionally take small fruits, especially during periods of lower insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, canopy gaps, and semi-open montane woodland where perches and open airspace are available. Frequently hunts from mid-story to canopy-level perches, including tall snags and exposed branches.
