The Puerto Rican flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Puerto Rico, the American Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. It favors dry to semi-dry forests, coastal scrub, thorn woodland, and mangroves, and is common along forest edges and clearings. It also uses second-growth, coffee plantations, and shaded agroforestry mosaics near native woodland. Perches conspicuously to sally for prey and uses cavities for nesting within these habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Myiarchus flycatcher is confined to the Puerto Rican bank, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. It often nests in natural tree cavities or dead palm stubs and hunts by sallying from exposed perches. Its sharp, whistled calls carry far and are a good clue to its presence in dry forests and scrub.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, defending territories year-round. Forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nests in tree cavities, dead palm stubs, or other natural holes, lining them with plant fibers and other soft materials.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, whistled 'weep' and 'whit' notes, often given in series. Dawn calling can be persistent, with repeated, clear whistles that carry across dry forest.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a slight crest, pale gray throat and breast, and a yellowish belly. Wings and tail show warm rufous edging typical of Myiarchus flycatchers.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying and perched insects such as beetles, flies, and orthopterans, taken by short sallies from exposed perches. Also gleans from foliage and branches when prey is stationary. Occasionally supplements its diet with small fruits and berries, especially in drier seasons.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, open woodland, scrub, and mangrove margins where perches are plentiful. Often uses midstory and canopy edges, including clearings, trails, and roadsides.
