From Opus

Revision as of 17:51, 13 June 2012

Alternative name: Northern Tufted Flycatcher

Mitrephanes phaeocercus

Photo by firecrest
Location: Virgen del Socorro, Costa Rica.

Identification

12 cm. Olive green upperparts and pointed crest, black tail and wings, two buff wing bars and buff edging to the secondary feathers, ochre-orange breast shading to bright yellow on the belly. Very short flat bill. Sexes are similar. Young birds have brownish upperparts with buff fringing, orange wing bars and paler underparts.

Distribution

Northwestern Mexico to northwestern Ecuador.

Taxonomy

Has been considered conspecific with Olive Flycatcher.

Habitat

Mature mountain forest and tall second growth, especially at edges and clearings with trees.

Behaviour

• Breeding: The female builds a saucer nest of moss, liverworts and lichens high on a branch or vine, usually concealed among ferns, bromeliads and other epiphytes. 2 brown-blotched white eggs are laid and are incubated by the female for 15-16 days.
• Diet: The diet includes insects.
• Voice: Frequently calls and can accompany mixed flocks. Vocalizations differ north and south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and possibly elsewhere.

External Links