Ochre-bellied Flycatcher

The ochre-bellied flycatcher, a member of the tyrant flycatcher family, is a diminutive avian species. Adults measure a modest 12.7 cm in length and tip the scales at a mere 11 grams. They boast olive-green plumage on their upperparts, while the head and upper breast share this verdant hue. The underparts, however, are a striking ochre, and the wings are adorned with two buff bars. When the wings are closed, the buff edges of the feathers become apparent.

Identification Tips

To identify the ochre-bellied flycatcher, look for its green upperparts and ochre underparts, which are quite distinctive. The two buff wing bars are also key identification markers. Males are slightly larger than females but share the same coloration. Subspecies may vary in the prominence of the wing bars and the exact shade of the upperparts.

Habitat

This species is commonly found in humid forests, favoring the undergrowth near bodies of water.

Distribution

The ochre-bellied flycatcher has a broad range, breeding from southern Mexico through Central America, and in South America east of the Andes all the way to southern Brazil. It is also present on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Behaviour

The ochre-bellied flycatcher is known for its inconspicuous nature. It feeds primarily on seeds and berries, supplemented by insects and spiders. The male's display behavior includes jumping, flutter-flight, and hovering, but he does not participate in rearing the young.

Song & Calls

The male ochre-bellied flycatcher vocalizes with a high-pitched "chip" and a loud "choo" call.

Breeding

Breeding ochre-bellied flycatchers construct a moss-covered ball nest with a side entrance, often suspended over water from a root or branch. The female incubates a typical clutch of two to three white eggs for 18–20 days. The fledglings, initially covered in grey down, take a similar amount of time to leave the nest.

Similar Species

While there are a number of subspecies of the ochre-bellied flycatcher, they mainly differ in the distinctness of the wing bars or the shade of the upperparts. Previously, this species was placed in the genus Pipromorpha.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the ochre-bellied flycatcher is unusual for a tyrant flycatcher, as it mainly consists of seeds and berries, with the occasional insect and spider.

Conservation status

The ochre-bellied flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of decline.