Myiophobus cryptoxanthus
The Olive-chested Flycatcher (*Myiophobus cryptoxanthus*) is a small, unobtrusive passerine endemic to the humid montane forests of the western Andes. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length and weighing a mere 9-11 grams, it sports an elegant plumage of olive-green upperparts, a yellowish throat and breast subtly washed with olive, and a pale yellow belly, complemented by two distinct yellowish wing-bars. A concealed orange crown patch, often difficult to observe in the field, serves as a...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, often favoring forest edges and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters, occasionally venturing up to 2,500 meters.
The diet of the Olive-chested Flycatcher consists almost exclusively of small insects and other arthropods. It primarily forages by gleaning prey from vegetation and performing short aerial sallies.
The Olive-chested Flycatcher is a diurnal species, often encountered alone or as a quiet participant in mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly with other small insectivores. Its foraging strategy involves active gleaning of insects from foliage and short, agile sallies to snatch airborne pre...
The Olive-chested Flycatcher is resident, with its restricted range spanning the humid montane forests of the western Andes. Its primary distribution lies along the Pacific slope of southern Colombia, extending through Ecuador, and reaching into the extreme northern regions of Peru in the departm...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the "olive-chested" feature is often a subtle wash, making the bird's identification a rewarding challenge for keen observers. - It is one of the smaller members of the diverse Tyrannidae family, showcasing the incredible size variation within tyrant flycatchers. - Its distinc...