Platyrinchus leucoryphus
The Russet-winged Spadebill (*Platyrinchus leucoryphus*) is a diminutive and distinctive member of the Tyrannidae family, a group of New World flycatchers. Measuring about 9.5-11 cm (3.7-4.3 inches) in length and weighing approximately 7-10 grams, its most striking feature is its disproportionately broad, flattened, spade-like bill, perfectly adapted for its unique foraging strategy. Adults exhibit olive-green upperparts, a contrasting white throat, and a pale yellowish-white belly, providing...
This specialized flycatcher inhabits the understory of dense, humid Atlantic Forest and adjacent subtropical forests, primarily at low to mid-elevations, often near streams and in dense thickets.
Predominantly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small arthropods, particularly insects and spiders found clinging to the undersides of leaves and branches.
The Russet-winged Spadebill is a rather inconspicuous and largely solitary bird, often observed sitting quietly on low perches within the dense forest undergrowth, patiently scanning its surroundings. Its foraging strategy is highly specialized, primarily involving agile sallies or gleaning small...
The Russet-winged Spadebill is a resident species found exclusively in a fragmented distribution across the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern South America. Its primary range extends through southeastern Brazil, encompassing states like Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa...
Vulnerable
- Its common name 'Spadebill' perfectly describes its unique, broad, flattened bill, which is wider than its head and specialized for gleaning insects. - Despite belonging to the Tyrannidae family (New World flycatchers), its foraging technique of gleaning from leaf undersides is quite distinct f...