Venezuelan Flycatcher

Myiarchus venezuelensis

Difficult to identify, a fairly large flycatcher with grayish brown upperparts, pale throat and chest, and pale yellow belly. Easily confused with other related flycatcher species, especially Short-crested Flycatcher. Venezuelan shows a straighter bill with pinkish at base, as well as different voice. Sexes similar. Locally common or in low densities, usually alone, in dry to humid forest, gallery forest, savanna with trees, and scrubby areas next to forested areas. Less vocal than other flycatchers and similar by voice to Dusky-capped Flycatcher, but the song is a longer and melancholic “puuuueeEEEuuuuu.” Found only in Colombia and Venezuela.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Myiarchus venezuelensis
Authority
Lawrence, 1865
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Tyrannidae
Genus
Myiarchus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Ocellated Antbird

Ocellated Antbird

Phaenostictus mcleannani

Spectacular, chunky forest-dweller; generally uncommon. Electric blue facial skin, rufous body, black throat, and pale scalloped pattern renders this antbird unlikely to be confused with any other species. Larger than other antbirds in range. Can be difficult to see well; found close to the ground in mature forest, usually in pairs or small flocks following an army ant swarm. Listen for descending, scolding call. Sexes alike.

Swallow-tailed Kite

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

A graceful, uniquely shaped raptor with long, narrow wings and deeply forked tail. Black-and-white with shining blue-gray upperwing. Usually seen in flight as it soars and glides while twisting its tail. Wingbeats are deep, fluid flaps. Found over a variety of wooded habitats with a preference for wetter habitats around rivers and ponds. Feeds mainly on insects captured on the wing.

Southern Hyliota

Southern Hyliota

Hyliota australis

Mid-sized, generic-looking warbler-like bird. Males have a matte black back, a white wing patch, and very pale yellowish underparts. Females are similar, but browner on the back. Found mainly in broadleaf savanna, and locally in humid forest. Usually in pairs or small groups, which will join mixed-species feeding flocks. The quiet vocalizations include chatty calls and trills. Very similar to Yellow-bellied Hyliota. In most of the range, Southern males distinguished by the smaller white patch on the wing, and females by their browner upperparts. In Uganda and Kenya, males are extremely similar, but Southern can still be recognized by its non-glossy black back.

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