The yellowish flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found from Mexico to Panama.
Region
Mexico and Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid highlands from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica to western Panama. Prefers cloud forests, oak–pine–evergreen mixes, and riparian ravines with abundant moss and epiphytes. Frequently uses forest edges, second growth, and shade coffee plantations adjacent to mature forest. Typically forages in the understory and mid-canopy, especially near streams. Locally common where intact montane forest persists.
Altitude Range
800–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellowish flycatcher is a small Empidonax that favors humid montane forests and streamside ravines, where it often perches low to mid-level and makes quick sallies for insects. It is one of the few Empidonax in Mesoamerica with distinctly yellow underparts, aiding field identification. It builds a neat mossy cup nest, frequently placed near running water. Despite its restricted montane habitat, it remains fairly common in suitable forests and shaded plantations.
Yellowish flycatcher eggs and nest along a small creek near Providencia, Costa Rica
Temperament
active but somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low to mid-level perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season; may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a compact mossy cup nest, often placed on a bank, root tangle, or in hanging moss near streams. Both parents attend the nest and feed the young. Territorial during breeding, with soft contact calls maintaining pair cohesion.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of high, tinkling whistles and short phrases, less explosive than many temperate Empidonax. Calls include sharp tseet and softer pip notes, often given from shaded perches near water.
