- Panyptila cayennensis
Identification
12.7-13 cm long, and weighing 18 g. Long narrow wings, long forked tail, which is usually held tightly closed. Black with white throat and upper breast and white patches on the rear flanks. The sexes are similar.
Distribution
Southern Mexico and Trinidad, Ecuador, eastern Peru and Brazil.
Taxonomy
The northern race P. c. veraecrucis, which breeds from Mexico to northern Honduras is similar to the nominate P. c. cayennensis, but slightly larger.
Habitat
Forest clearings, more open woodland, and cultivation.
Behaviour
The nest is tubular, wider at the top, and with the entrance at its base. It is made of plant material and attached to a branch or a vertical surface. 2-3 white eggs are laid and incubated by both parents.
Diet includes flying insects, especially winged ants, taken in flight.
