The yellow-olive flatbill or yellow-olive flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Mexico, in every Central American country, on Trinidad, and in every mainland South American country except Chile.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mexico through Central America to much of South America, and on Trinidad, favoring forest edges, second growth, and semi-open woodlands. It is frequent along riparian corridors, in gallery forests, and in tall secondary scrub. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats including agroforestry systems like shade coffee and cacao. It generally keeps to the midstory and subcanopy, often near vine tangles and dense foliage.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the yellow-olive flycatcher, this tyrant flycatcher is widespread across the Neotropics and shows notable vocal and plumage variation, with many described subspecies. It often joins mixed-species flocks and forages quietly by sally-gleaning from foliage. The species builds a distinctive long, hanging purse-like nest with a side entrance, often stitched together with spider silk. Despite complex taxonomy, it remains common across much of its range.
Turrialba, Costa Rica
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks in the midstory. Territorial during breeding, with pairs maintaining small home ranges. Nests are long, hanging pouches suspended from branches or palm fronds, typically containing 2–3 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations vary geographically, but typically include sharp, whistled notes and short, sweet phrases given at intervals. Calls are clear chips and tseet notes, repeated methodically from midstory perches.
Plumage
Olive to yellow-olive upperparts with yellowish underparts and a paler throat; two faint yellowish wingbars and dusky olive flight feathers. The bill is broad and noticeably flattened with a pale to orange-tinged lower mandible. Lores are pale, giving a subtly masked face; overall appearance is soft-toned and leafy-olive.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, including beetles, flies, and spiders. It occasionally sallies to catch airborne prey and may hover briefly at foliage. Small berries or fruits are taken opportunistically in some areas.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to subcanopy of edge habitats, secondary woodland, and light-gap thickets. Frequently works along vine tangles, outer foliage, and riparian vegetation where insects are abundant.
