Myiobius barbatus
The Whiskered Myiobius (*Myiobius barbatus*) is a captivating, small Neotropical flycatcher, belonging to the diverse Tyrannidae family, known for its energetic demeanor and distinctive appearance. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches) in length and weighing around 8-10 grams, this bird is characterized by its olive-green upperparts, bright yellow underparts, and a striking rufous-chestnut rump, which it frequently fans and flicks. Key identification marks include its long rictal ...
Primarily inhabits humid lowland evergreen forests, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth, often near water sources, typically below 1200 meters elevation.
Feeds almost exclusively on small insects and spiders, which it catches in flight or gleans from foliage and branches.
The Whiskered Myiobius is a highly active and agile diurnal bird, rarely sitting still for long. It primarily forages by sally-gleaning and hover-gleaning, darting out from a perch to snatch insects from foliage or in mid-air, often returning to a different perch. A signature behavior is its cons...
The Whiskered Myiobius is a widespread resident throughout northern South America and Trinidad. Its primary distribution spans from eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and eastern Bolivia, eastward through Venezuela, Trinidad, and the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana), extend...
Least Concern
- The 'whiskers' in its name refer to its prominent rictal bristles, which are stiff feathers at the base of the bill, thought to help in catching insects or protecting the eyes. - Its distinctive rufous rump is constantly fanned and flicked, a behavior likely used to startle hidden insects into ...