- Myiozetetes similis
Sometimes referred to as the Vermilion-crowned Flycatcher.
Description
16cm (6.25"). Medium sized. Short black bill. Olive above; wing coverts and inner remiges edged grayish white to buffy white; center crown brownish gray (little contrast with olive back). The semi-concealed crown patch is vermilion, as suggested by its second common name; Vermilion-crowned Flycatcher (note that this field mark can just be seen on the photo right). The long white eyebrow does not meet on nape. Sides of head dusky-blackish; throat white, rest of underparts bright yellow. Immature: No crown patch, and wings and tail narrowly edged rufous.
Identification
Similar to the Rusty-margined Flycatcher, but with less rufous in the wings (careful; imm. Social with rufous edging), olive (less brown) back, duller mask, reddish-orange (not yellow-orange) crown patch and different voice. Other superficially similar flycatchers have longer bill, yellow throat, white eye-brow meeting on nape or greyer head.
Distribution
NW Mexico to NW Peru, NE Argentina and S Brazil. Locally up to an altitude of 1500 m (4900 ft). Generally common.
Habitat
River banks, ponds, gardens, pastures and clearings with scattered trees. Often in urban areas.
Behavior
Hawks insects in the air or darts out to snatch them from shrubs, bushes and vegetaion. Also eats seeds, berries and small fruit; will also catch tadpoles in shallow water. Often in small groups. Calls: sharp, harsh teeer or peeeeur, or a sad pe-ah or chee; also a repeated scolding wheer, a chipping wit, and a series of chu notes. Some variation in voice depending on subspecies.
