The rufous-tailed flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Jamaica.
Region
Caribbean (Jamaica)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Jamaica in moist lowland and montane forests, including limestone karst (Cockpit Country), foothills, and the Blue Mountains. Frequently uses forest edges, tall secondary growth, and shaded coffee plantations. It is less common in heavily urbanized or treeless areas but can persist in fragmented habitats with mature trees. Typically forages from the mid-story to canopy, using exposed perches to launch short aerial sallies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized tyrant flycatcher is endemic to Jamaica and is named for its distinctive rufous tail and wing edgings. It often hunts from mid-story perches, sallying out to snatch insects in flight. The species adapts fairly well to disturbed forests and shaded agroforestry, provided tall trees and nest cavities are available.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs and strongly territorial during the breeding season. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, and will accept suitable cavities in human structures. Pairs defend nest sites and surrounding foraging perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers sharp, whistled phrases and burry 'wheeep' notes, most frequent at dawn. Calls are penetrating and repeated, often given from exposed perches.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with grayish head and throat, pale gray breast grading to yellowish belly. Wings show warm rufous edging and faint buffy wing bars; tail is distinctly rufous with darker outer edges.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, and moths, launched from watchful perch-and-sally foraging. It also gleans arthropods from foliage and branches when opportunities arise. Small fruits may be taken occasionally, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gaps, and clearings within mature or secondary forest, as well as shaded plantations. Often uses mid-story to canopy perches that provide clear flight paths.
