Ochre-lored Flatbill

The Ochre-lored Flatbill, also known as the Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, is a small passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. This species exhibits a charming blend of colors with its head and upperparts adorned in olive-green, complemented by darker, yellow-edged wing and tail feathers. It boasts two yellowish wing bars, and its throat, breast, and eye-ring are a radiant golden yellow. The lores present a distinctive ochre hue, while the abdomen is a more subdued yellow. The bill of this bird is notably flattened laterally, presenting a black upper mandible and a white lower one. Both sexes share a similar appearance, with variations in the tone of the upperpart or underpart color among different races.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Ochre-lored Flatbill, look for its olive-green upperparts, golden yellow throat and breast, and the characteristic ochre lores. The bird measures approximately 12.7 cm in length and weighs around 11.3 g. The presence of two yellowish wing bars and the unique flattened bill are also key identification features.

Habitat

This species thrives in secondary growth and the fringes of mangrove swamps, where it can be observed making the most of its natural surroundings.

Distribution

The Ochre-lored Flatbill is found across South America, with its range extending from Colombia and Venezuela down to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. It is also a resident of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Behaviour

These birds are rather inconspicuous, often perching high up and darting out to catch insects in a behavior known as "sallying." They tend to be discreet in their movements, blending seamlessly into their habitat.

Song & Calls

The call of the Ochre-lored Flatbill is a distinctive loud whistled "peeee-it," which can be heard resonating through its natural habitat.

Breeding

The bottle-shaped nest of the Ochre-lored Flatbill is crafted from plant fiber and is typically suspended from a branch near a wasp nest, which is thought to offer protection from predators. The female lays a clutch of two or three creamy white eggs, adorned with violet markings, predominantly at the larger end. Incubation lasts for 17 days until hatching.

Similar Species

While there are no specific similar species mentioned, variations in voice and plumage suggest significant differences between western and eastern populations, sometimes leading to the consideration of them as separate species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Ochre-lored Flatbill primarily consists of insects, which they catch in flight from their high perches.

Conservation status

The Ochre-lored Flatbill is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.