Myiarchus tuberculifer
The Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) stands as the smallest and often most subtly marked member of the Myiarchus genus, a group of New World flycatchers renowned for their challenging identification based on visual cues alone. Measuring approximately 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 25-28 cm (10-11 inches) and weighing 18-28 grams, this passerine presents a modest yet appealing appearance. Its upperparts are a muted olive-gray to brownish-olive, complementin...
Primarily inhabiting open woodlands, forest edges, riparian corridors, and montane forests, this species thrives across a wide elevation range from sea level to over 3,000 meters.
The Dusky-capped Flycatcher's diet consists mainly of insects, such as flies, beetles, wasps, bees, and caterpillars, supplemented on occasion with small berries or fruits. They forage primarily by aerial hawking and gleaning from vegetation.
Dusky-capped Flycatchers are diurnal birds typically observed singly or in pairs, becoming notably vocal during the breeding season to assert and defend their territories. Their foraging strategy epitomizes the flycatcher style: they perch alertly on exposed branches, executing swift sallies to s...
The Dusky-capped Flycatcher boasts one of the most expansive ranges of any Neotropical bird, extending from its northernmost breeding grounds in the 'sky islands' and riparian canyons of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States. From there, its distribution continues ...
Least Concern
- The Dusky-capped Flycatcher holds the distinction of being the smallest species within the diverse Myiarchus genus, often earning it the moniker 'little tyrant'. - It is renowned among birders for its intriguing habit of incorporating shed snake skins into its nest lining, a behavior shared wit...