Myiarchus swainsoni
The Swainson's Flycatcher, *Myiarchus swainsoni*, is a medium-sized tyrant flycatcher, emblematic of South American woodlands. Measuring around 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing 25-35 grams, its plumage is subtly beautiful, featuring dull olive-brown upperparts, a contrasting grey throat and breast, and a soft yellow belly. A key field mark, characteristic of many *Myiarchus* species, is the rufous coloration visible in the primaries and tail feathers, particularly striking in flig...
Found primarily in a variety of forest and woodland types, including humid evergreen forests, gallery forests, dry deciduous forests, and forest edges, from sea level up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide array of insects including flies, beetles, wasps, bees, and caterpillars, captured through aerial hawking or gleaning. They also supplement their diet with small fruits and berries, especially during the non-breeding season.
Swainson's Flycatchers are diurnal birds, typically observed actively foraging from exposed perches. Their foraging strategy is classic for a tyrant flycatcher, employing the 'sally-glean' or 'sally-strike' method where they launch from a perch to catch flying insects or pluck them from foliage, ...
The Swainson's Flycatcher boasts an expansive range across South America, with significant migratory patterns. Its primary breeding grounds span southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, northeastern Argentina, and Uruguay, where it favors temperate and subtropical forests. During the austral winter (May-Se...
Least Concern
- Swainson's Flycatcher is named after William Swainson, an English ornithologist, entomologist, malacologist, and artist who made significant contributions to natural history. - Like many species in the *Myiarchus* genus, it is notoriously difficult to identify solely by sight due to its subtle ...