Black-tailed Flycatcher
Myiobius atricaudus
A fairly small flycatcher with a large distribution from Costa Rica to Brazil. Like other members of the Myiobius genus, has a relatively long, dark tail and a blazing yellow rump. Extremely similar to Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, which is usually found in more mature forest and has a darker breast. Black-tailed is more likely to be found around forest edge or second growth, but there is overlap. Singles or pairs forage in the understory, often following mixed-species flocks. Often fans its tail. Listen for dry “whit” call.
Identification
The black-tailed myiobius closely resembles the whiskered myiobius (M. barbatus) and the sulphur-rumped myiobius (M. sulphureipygius) in appearance, with olive upper parts and a yellow rump. The underparts differ in being buff rather than tawny or greyish-olive, but birds living in eastern Brazil tend to have yellowish or yellowish-buff underparts. Another distinguishing feature is the location in which the bird is seen. The black-tailed myobius haunts woodland edges and secondary forests and is less active or acrobatic than the other two species; it is found at altitudes up to 1,400 m (4,600 ft).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myiobius atricaudus
- Authority
- Lawrence, 1863
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Myiobius
Range and habitat
The species has a patchy distribution in tropical Central and South America. It is present in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru (on both sides of the Andes) and large parts of Brazil. Where their ranges overlap, it is generally found in drier habitats than the whiskered myiobius (M. barbatus), and at higher elevations. It generally frequents forest verges and secondary growth, often near water, whereas the whiskered myiobius prefers the interior of forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-throated Shrikebill
Clytorhynchus nigrogularis
A distinctive shrikebill; male is large and brown with a striking black face, a pure white ear patch, and a heavy, upturned bill. Female much plainer, with mostly brown plumage. Prefers dense native forest, avoiding open areas and secondary growth. Female similar to Fiji Shrikebill but larger, with a much heavier bill. Gives a mix of long, mournful whistles and harsh scolding chatters.
Greenish Elaenia
Myiopagis viridicata
Unobtrusive and inconspicuous small flycatcher of tropical and subtropical forest; also ranges up into the highlands of West Mexico. Usually found singly, perched quietly (unless singing at dawn) and rather upright at mid-upper levels in trees; does not flick its wings and tail, unlike many small flycatchers. Can be identified by a combination of the lack of pale wingbars, a narrow whitish eyebrow, and the small, overall dark bill.
Blue Seedeater
Amaurospiza concolor
Scarce and very local. A rather plain, easily overlooked, small seed-eating bird. Usually found as singles or pairs in association with seeding bamboo in forested areas, from lowlands to highlands, but mainly in foothills. In most of range the male is dull dark bluish overall (with slightly brighter highlights on shoulder), while the female is rich brown overall. In southwest Mexico, male is paler and more denim-blue; female is grayish brown. Note the grayish bill, which is smaller than bill of Blue Bunting, and subtly different in shape from bill of Varied Bunting. Listen for sharp metallic chips and sweet warbling song.
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