Myiodynastes hemichrysus
The Golden-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes hemichrysus) is a strikingly handsome and robust member of the Tyrannidae family, measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length with a relatively stout, hooked bill. Its most distinguishing feature is its vibrant golden-yellow underparts, which contrast sharply with its heavily streaked olive-brown back and breast. A prominent dark facial mask, bordered above by a bright pale supercilium and a white throat, gives it a fierce yet elegant ...
This species favors humid montane evergreen and cloud forests, as well as forest edges and clearings with tall emergent trees, typically found at elevations between 700 and 2400 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as beetles, wasps, grasshoppers, and cicadas, which it catches in flight, supplemented by spiders and small fruits gleaned from vegetation.
The Golden-bellied Flycatcher is a diurnal and often solitary bird, though pairs vigorously maintain their territories. It employs a classic "sally-strike" foraging strategy, perching upright on exposed branches to survey its surroundings before launching swift aerial attacks on flying insects, o...
The Golden-bellied Flycatcher's range extends from the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama through the Andes of northern South America. In South America, it is found along the western and central Andes of Colombia, continuing south through Ecuador. Disjunct populations also occur in the Ve...
Least Concern
- The Golden-bellied Flycatcher's brilliant golden-yellow belly is one of the most vibrant among Neotropical flycatchers, making it easily identifiable even in dense forest. - Despite its relatively small size (20-22 cm), it belongs to the Tyrannidae family, which includes large, aggressive speci...