The yellow-throated flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and possibly Bolivia.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical moist forest across much of the Amazon Basin and the Guianas, reaching into southern Venezuela and eastern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Brazil. It favors terra firme and seasonally flooded varzea forests, especially along edges, clearings, and river margins. Most activity is high in the canopy but it will descend to mid-levels at forest gaps. It tolerates light disturbance but avoids heavily degraded open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling tyrant flycatcher, it is more often heard than seen, giving clear whistled notes from high perches. It can be confused with other yellow-bellied flycatchers of Amazonia, but its brighter yellow throat and vocalizations help separate it. Pairs or small family groups often forage quietly along forest edges and gaps.
Temperament
quiet and watchful, active in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; sometimes joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Likely monogamous, with an open cup nest placed high in the canopy or upper midstory. Both parents are thought to attend young, as in many tyrant flycatchers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled phrases and sharp, slightly descending notes repeated at intervals. Also utters short chips and soft chatter when foraging or with a mate.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with darker wings edged pale; bright yellow throat blending into yellow underparts; paler belly center. Two faint whitish wing bars and a subtle pale supercilium. Bill is broad-based and dark, typical of tyrant flycatchers.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as flies, beetles, and wasps, captured by sallying from exposed perches. Also gleans small arthropods from foliage and twigs in the canopy. May occasionally take small fruits, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy along forest edges, river corridors, and light gaps where aerial prey is abundant. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
