Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus
The Crowned Slaty Flycatcher, *Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus*, is a striking medium-sized tyrant flycatcher renowned for its impressive, often concealed, fiery orange-yellow and black crown patch. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length with a wingspan around 30-32 cm (12-12.5 inches) and weighing about 28-35 grams, this species exhibits a largely slaty-grey dorsal plumage contrasting with a paler, streaked whitish to yellowish belly. Key identification marks include faint...
Primarily found in semi-open woodlands, forest edges, savannas with scattered trees, and gallery forests, typically at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,500 meters.
Predominantly insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects caught primarily through aerial sallying, occasionally supplementing with berries or small fruits.
The Crowned Slaty Flycatcher is a diurnal and generally solitary bird, though it may join mixed-species foraging flocks outside the breeding season. It employs a classic "sally-and-return" foraging strategy, perching conspicuously on an exposed branch to sally forth and snatch flying insects in m...
The Crowned Slaty Flycatcher exhibits a significant austral migratory pattern, breeding across temperate southern South America. Its primary breeding grounds span central and northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of southern Brazil, particularly Rio Grande do Sul. Following the breedin...
Least Concern
- The Crowned Slaty Flycatcher undertakes an impressive austral migration, breeding in temperate southern South America and flying north to tropical regions for the non-breeding season, covering thousands of kilometers. - Its scientific name, *Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus*, literally transla...