Myiophobus phoenicomitra
The Orange-crested Flycatcher, Myiophobus phoenicomitra, is a vibrant yet often subtly observed member of the Tyrannidae family, inhabiting the humid montane forests of the Andes. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length and weighing a delicate 8-12 grams, this small passerine boasts olive-green upperparts, a dusky crown, and pale yellowish underparts, accented by two prominent yellowish wing-bars. Its most striking feature, the brilliant orange-red crest, is typically concealed, only raise...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane and subtropical cloud forests, as well as their edges, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of small insects and other arthropods, which it captures primarily through aerial sallying and gleaning from vegetation.
The Orange-crested Flycatcher is a diurnal insectivore, actively foraging throughout the day. It employs classic flycatcher sallying tactics, darting from a semi-exposed perch to snatch insects from the air or gleaning them from foliage and bark. Males likely defend breeding territories through v...
The Orange-crested Flycatcher is a resident species found exclusively in the Andean cordillera of South America, with its distribution spanning parts of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its range extends along the western and eastern slopes of the Andes, typically occupying humid montane a...
Least Concern
- The genus name 'Myiophobus' combines Greek 'myia' (fly) and 'phobos' (fear, or one who frightens away), literally implying 'fly-driving' or 'fly-catching'. - Its spectacular orange-red crest is usually kept hidden, only revealed during moments of intense excitement, territorial display, or alar...