Sulphur-rumped Myiobius

Myiobius sulphureipygius

The Sulphur-rumped Myiobius, *Myiobius sulphureipygius*, is a vibrant and energetic New World flycatcher, instantly recognizable by its dazzling, namesake sulphur-yellow rump. This small passerine, typically measuring 12-12.5 cm with a slender, delicate bill, sports olive-green upperparts, contrasting with blackish wings and tail, a grayish head and nape, a white throat, and a pale yellow wash across its underparts. Its most striking field mark, the brilliant yellow rump, is often fanned or f...

Habitat

This species thrives in the humid understory and mid-story of tropical evergreen forests, secondary growth, and forest edges, frequently found along stream banks or clearings. It typically inhabits elevations from sea level up to 1,200 meters, occasionally reaching 1,800 meters.

Diet

The diet of the Sulphur-rumped Myiobius consists almost exclusively of small arthropods, including various flies, beetles, and wasps. It primarily forages by sallying and hawking insects from the air, often with distinctive hovering maneuvers.

Behavior

The Sulphur-rumped Myiobius is a highly active and almost constantly moving bird, exhibiting diurnal activity throughout its range. It is an accomplished aerial insectivore, sallying frequently from low to mid-story perches to snatch flying insects in mid-air, often hovering briefly. During forag...

Range

The Sulphur-rumped Myiobius is a resident species found throughout Central America and extends into northwestern South America. Its distribution begins in southern Mexico, including areas in Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, and continues southward through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cos...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The genus name *Myiobius* translates from Greek as 'fly-living,' perfectly describing its primary diet of insects. - Its species name, *sulphureipygius*, means 'sulphur-rumped,' directly referencing its most distinctive field mark. - This small bird is an acrobatic flyer, often seen performing ...

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