Tolmomyias traylori
The Orange-eyed Flatbill (Tolmomyias traylori) is a striking member of the Tyrannidae family, instantly recognizable by its vivid, almost luminous orange-yellow to orange-red irises that contrast sharply with its dusky head. This small flycatcher measures approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 in) in length and weighs about 12-14 grams. Its plumage features olive-green upperparts, a slightly darker, often dusky or grayish crown, a yellow throat, and bright yellow underparts, often with an olive wash...
This species primarily inhabits humid lowland evergreen forests, often favoring areas near water sources or seasonally flooded forests (várzea). It typically occupies the understory and mid-story layers, ranging up to elevations of about 500-600 meters (1,600-2,000 feet).
The diet of the Orange-eyed Flatbill consists almost exclusively of small insects and other arthropods, which it captures through agile sallying flights from a perch.
The Orange-eyed Flatbill is a diurnal and generally solitary bird, though it can be observed in pairs or occasionally joining mixed-species flocks, particularly when foraging. Its foraging strategy is typical of a flycatcher: it sallies out from a perch to snatch insects from foliage or in mid-ai...
The Orange-eyed Flatbill is a resident species found exclusively in western Amazonia, inhabiting a relatively restricted range across southern Peru, western Brazil, and northern Bolivia. Its distribution in Peru extends through the lowlands of Madre de Dios, Ucayali, and Loreto departments. In Br...
Least Concern
- The Orange-eyed Flatbill's incredibly vibrant orange-yellow to orange-red eyes are its most distinctive feature, making it easily identifiable even in dense foliage. - Its genus name, *Tolmomyias*, combines ancient Greek words meaning 'wide' or 'broad' ('tolmi') and 'flycatcher' ('myias'), perf...