The sulphur-rumped myiobius or sulphur-rumped flycatcher is a species of passerine bird in the family Onychorhynchidae. It is found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Central America and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, south into western Colombia and Ecuador. Prefers intact subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest, especially along shaded streams and in ravines. Often found in dense understory thickets and along forest edges adjoining mature forest. It is generally uncommon and patchy where habitat remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The sulphur-rumped flycatcher is a small, shaded-forest specialist that keeps to the dim understory of humid lowland woods. Its namesake sulphur-yellow rump is often the best field mark as it flicks its tail while sallying for insects near streams. It frequently nests above water, suspending a delicate pouch-like nest from drooping vegetation. Despite a wide range from southern Mexico to northwestern South America, it is typically local and unobtrusive.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, keeping low within dense foliage near water. Pairs defend small territories during breeding. The nest is often a hanging, pouch-like structure suspended over streams or wet ravines, providing protection from predators. Clutch size is small and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, consisting of thin whistles and sharp chip notes. Song is subdued and easily overlooked amid forest sounds, often delivered from a shaded perch near water.
