Black-billed Flycatcher
NameBlack-billed Flycatcher
Common NameBlack-billed Flycatcher
Scientific NameEmpidonax atriceps
FamilyTyrannidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, with a distinctly dark gray to blackish head and nape. Underparts are yellowish, fading to whitish on the belly, with a pale throat. It has two faint pale wing bars and a dark tail. The bill is entirely black.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a sharp 'psit' or 'chip'. The song is a series of short, sharp, often buzzy notes, sometimes described as 'tsip-tsip-tsip' or 'swee-swee-swee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Identifying Featuresentirely black bill, dark gray head contrasting with olive back, yellowish wash on underparts, two faint pale wing bars, small size, active sallying foraging style
Description
This small, active flycatcher inhabits humid montane forests of Central America. It typically forages by sallying from a perch to catch insects in mid-air. Its drab plumage and small size make it a challenging species to identify among its congeners.
