Mitrephanes phaeocercus
The Northern Tufted Flycatcher, *Mitrephanes phaeocercus*, is a diminutive yet striking passerine of the New World flycatcher family (Tyrannidae), instantly recognizable by its prominent, often spiky, crest, which gives it its common name. Measuring a mere 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches) in length and weighing just 7-10 grams, this agile bird sports olive-brown upperparts, contrasting sharply with rufous edging on its wings and tail, and bright yellowish underparts that are palest on the throat and...
Found primarily in montane evergreen and cloud forests, as well as humid pine-oak woodlands and ravines. It inhabits elevations typically ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters (3,000-10,000 feet).
Exclusively insectivorous, feeding mainly on small flying insects such as flies, small moths, and beetles. It employs an active aerial hawking foraging method.
The Northern Tufted Flycatcher is a highly active, diurnal insectivore, often seen sallying from exposed mid-story or sub-canopy perches. Its foraging strategy involves agile aerial hawking, where it darts out to snatch flying insects, often returning to the same or a nearby perch. They are gener...
The Northern Tufted Flycatcher is a resident species with a continuous distribution across highland regions of Middle America. Its range extends from southern Mexico, specifically Oaxaca and Chiapas, south through the highlands of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. It continues furt...
Least Concern
- Its genus name, *Mitrephanes*, derives from Greek, meaning 'mitre-appearing' or 'turban-appearing', referring to its characteristic tufted crest. - Despite its small size, it's remarkably agile, often performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers to catch insects mid-flight within dense forest canopies...