Myiobius atricaudus
The Black-tailed Myiobius (Myiobius atricaudus) is a captivating small passerine bird, typically measuring about 11.5-12.5 cm (4.5-4.9 inches) in length and weighing around 8-12 grams. Its most distinctive feature is its constantly fanned and wagging entirely black tail, contrasting sharply with its bright yellow underparts and rump, which often flashes during display or movement. The upperparts are generally an olive-brown, with a darker, often dusky, crown. Belonging to the family Tityridae...
This species primarily inhabits humid lowland evergreen forests, forest borders, and mature secondary growth, often favoring areas near streams or wetlands, typically found from sea level up to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) in elevation.
The Black-tailed Myiobius is primarily an insectivore, consuming a variety of small flying insects and other arthropods, which it captures by sallying from perches or gleaning from foliage.
The Black-tailed Myiobius is a highly active and diurnal bird, often observed alone or in pairs, though it frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly in the canopy or subcanopy. Its most remarkable behavior is the constant fanning and vigorous wagging of its black tail, often co...
The Black-tailed Myiobius exhibits a notably disjunct distribution across Central and South America. One population spans the Pacific slope from eastern Panama, through western Colombia, and south into western Ecuador. A second, isolated population is found in northern Colombia and northwestern V...
Least Concern
- The Black-tailed Myiobius is famous for its distinctive tail-flicking behavior, where it constantly fans and wags its entirely black tail, often raising it over its back. - Its bright yellow rump is often concealed but flashes vibrantly when the bird fans its tail, likely serving as a visual si...