The sooty-crowned flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Pacific lowlands of Ecuador and northwest Peru
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Tumbesian dry to semi-humid zone from southwestern Ecuador into northwestern Peru. It inhabits tropical dry forest, moist lowland forest, gallery forest, and forest edge, as well as semi-open second growth and plantations. The species favors areas with scattered tall trees for perching and sallying. It persists in moderately degraded habitats but declines where large trees are removed. Riparian corridors in dry landscapes are especially important refuges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A medium-sized tyrant flycatcher of the Tumbesian region, the sooty-crowned flycatcher is often identified by its dusky cap and warm rufous in the tail and wings. Like many Myiarchus, it can be tricky to separate from relatives, but its combination of a sooty crown, gray breast, and pale yellow belly is distinctive in its range. It perches upright, flicks its tail, and sallies out to catch flying insects from exposed midstory perches.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, defending small territories with prominent perch-and-sally behavior. Breeding pairs nest in tree cavities or similar holes, often reusing suitable sites year to year. They may join mixed-species flocks briefly while foraging but generally remain independent.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, whistled notes and burry phrases, often a repeated wheet or peeer delivered from high perches. Dawn song is more insistent, with a series of clear whistles interspersed with rough chatters.
Plumage
Dusky to sooty crown with olive-brown upperparts; wings dark with rich rufous edging; tail brown with prominent rufous outer webs. Underparts show a gray throat and breast grading to a pale yellow belly. Feathers appear smooth with modest contrast, typical of Myiarchus flycatchers.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying and perched insects such as beetles, flies, wasps, and caterpillars, which it captures by aerial sallies or quick gleaning. It occasionally consumes spiders and other arthropods. Small fruits and berries may be taken opportunistically, especially in the dry season when insects are less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages from midstory to canopy edges, using prominent, open perches with good sightlines. Frequently works forest edges, riparian strips, and scattered trees in pastures or plantations. Will venture into secondary growth and semi-open woodland.
