Golden-bellied Flycatcher

The golden-bellied flycatcher, known scientifically as Myiodynastes hemichrysus, is a passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. This avian species is a resident endemic to the lush regions of Costa Rica and western Panama. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 20 cm in length and weighing approximately 41 grams, with a distinctive black bill.

Identification Tips

Adult golden-bellied flycatchers possess a grey crown with a hidden yellow patch and a prominent black eyemask. Their upperparts are a dark olive hue, while the wings and tail are brown with subtle rufous fringes. The underparts are a vibrant yellow, and the throat is white, adorned with dark stripes on each side, a feature that sets them apart from similar species. Juveniles display paler yellow underparts, browner upperparts, lack the crown stripe, and have more pronounced chestnut fringes on their wing and tail feathers.

Habitat

This species thrives in the canopy and edges of wet, epiphyte-laden mountain forests, often found near streams or clearings. It favors middle elevations, typically ranging from 700 to 1850 meters, and can be found up to 2300 meters in the southern part of its range.

Distribution

The golden-bellied flycatcher is confined to Costa Rica and western Panama, where it is a non-migratory bird.

Behaviour

With a penchant for perching on high vantage points, the golden-bellied flycatcher sallies forth to catch flying insects in mid-air. It is also known to consume a variety of other food items, including berries.

Song & Calls

The call of this bird is a distinctive squeaky "seeeik," while its dawn song is a melodious and repetitive "tre-le-loo."

Breeding

The nest of the golden-bellied flycatcher is a shallow open cup, strategically placed in a tree hollow, an old woodpecker nest, a clump of epiphytes, or on a vegetation-covered vertical bank. The female lays a clutch of three pinkish eggs, speckled with red-brown spots.

Similar Species

The golden-bellied flycatcher can be distinguished from similar species such as the social or gray-capped flycatchers by its white throat with dark lateral stripes.

Diet and Feeding

Apart from its primary diet of flying insects, the golden-bellied flycatcher also partakes in berries, indicating a varied diet.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the golden-bellied flycatcher as Least Concern, suggesting that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.