Black-tailed Myiobius

The Black-tailed Myiobius, also known as the Black-tailed Flycatcher, is a passerine bird with a distinctive appearance. It boasts olive upper parts complemented by a striking yellow rump. The underparts are typically buff, although variations exist, with some birds in eastern Brazil displaying yellowish or yellowish-buff underparts.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Black-tailed Myiobius from its close relatives, the Whiskered Myiobius and the Sulphur-rumped Myiobius, one should note its buff underparts as opposed to the tawny or greyish-olive of the others. Additionally, its preference for woodland edges and secondary forests, along with its less active or acrobatic behavior, can aid in identification.

Habitat

This species is often found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, favoring forest verges and secondary growth, frequently near water sources. It thrives at altitudes up to 1,400 meters.

Distribution

The Black-tailed Myiobius has a patchy distribution across tropical Central and South America, inhabiting regions in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.

Behaviour

Typically encountered alone or in pairs, the Black-tailed Myiobius may occasionally join mixed-species flocks. It is known for being less active and acrobatic compared to similar species.

Conservation status

Despite the ongoing threat of Amazon rainforest destruction and the consequent decline in suitable habitat, the Black-tailed Myiobius is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. This is due to its very wide range and presumably large total population size.

Subspecies

There are seven recognized subspecies of the Black-tailed Myiobius, each with a distinct geographical range across its habitat. These include M. a. atricaudus, M. a. portovelae, M. a. modestus, M. a. adjacens, M. a. connectens, M. a. snethlagei, and M. a. ridgwayi.