Myiarchus barbirostris
The Sad Flycatcher (Myiarchus barbirostris) is a distinctive Neotropical tyrant flycatcher, endemic to the islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing around 20-30 grams, it exhibits typical Myiarchus plumage: dull olive-brown upperparts, a contrasting grey throat and breast, and a pale yellow belly. Key field marks include prominent rufous patches visible in the primaries and on the inner webs of the tail feathers, especially in fli...
Found in moist broadleaf forests, woodland edges, secondary growth, and coffee plantations, typically at low to mid-elevations from sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects including beetles, flies, wasps, and caterpillars, supplemented occasionally by small fruits or berries. Forages by sallying and gleaning.
A diurnal and often solitary bird, the Sad Flycatcher typically forages actively from a semi-exposed perch, sallying out to snatch insects in mid-air (sally-striking) or gleaning them from foliage and branches (sally-gleaning). It is highly vocal, especially during the breeding season, with its m...
The Sad Flycatcher is a non-migratory resident species found exclusively on two Greater Antillean islands: Jamaica and Hispaniola, which includes both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Its distribution spans across both islands, from coastal lowlands up to mid-elevations, typically not exceeding ...
Least Concern
- Its common name, "Sad Flycatcher," directly refers to its distinctive, mournful, whistling vocalizations, which sound like a drawn-out "wheeeep-whee. - Identifying the Sad Flycatcher by sight alone can be challenging due to its similarity to other Myiarchus species; its unique voice is often th...