Empidonomus varius
The Variegated Flycatcher (Empidonomus varius) is a medium-sized tyrant flycatcher, typically measuring 17-19 cm (7 inches) in length and weighing 23-34 grams. Its plumage is characterized by olive-brown to grayish-brown upperparts and distinctive heavy streaking on its whitish throat and breast, contrasting with a yellowish wash on its belly. Key field marks include a bold white supercilium above a dark eye-line, two pale wing bars, and rufous edging on its flight feathers, particularly noti...
Found in open woodlands, forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, secondary growth, and savannas, typically at low to mid-elevations up to 1500 meters. This adaptable species utilizes a variety of semi-open arboreal environments.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of flying insects such as beetles, flies, wasps, and moths, captured by aerial hawking. It also incorporates small fruits and berries into its diet, especially when not breeding.
The Variegated Flycatcher is a highly active diurnal species, frequently observed perching conspicuously on exposed branches at the edge of woodlands. Its primary foraging strategy is aerial hawking, where it sallies forth from a vantage point to snatch flying insects mid-air, often returning to ...
The Variegated Flycatcher boasts an expansive Neotropical distribution across South America, with two main subspecies. The nominate subspecies, Empidonomus varius varius, breeds primarily in temperate southern South America, encompassing central and southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uru...
Least Concern
- One of the longest-distance Neotropical migrants, traveling thousands of kilometers entirely within South America. - Unlike many Northern Hemisphere migrants, it breeds in temperate southern South America and winters north in the tropical Amazon Basin. - It possesses a vibrant, concealed orange...