Sepia-capped Flycatcher

Overview

The sepia-capped flycatcher (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) is a species of tyrant flycatcher found across a wide range of Central and South America. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing despite having an extremely large range.

Identification

• Size: 11.5 to 14 cm long, weighing an average of about 12 g.
• Plumage: Adults of the nominate subspecies have a sepia brown crown, paler nape, olive green back and rump, and yellowish white to yellow belly.
• Markings: Wings are dusky with two wing bars formed by buff to ochraceous buff tips on the coverts; ear coverts have a dusky patch at the rear.
• Song: Described as a harsh, almost explosive 'SKET'a'a'j'j'j' or a fast, sputtering chatter that trails off.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits lowland evergreen forest, mature secondary forest, and plantations in the tropical and lower subtropical zones. It is found in Mexico, most Central American countries, and most mainland South American countries, with a disjunct distribution across these regions.

Diet

Diet includes insects and fruits, foraged from the forest understory to the middle level, usually within about 8 m of the ground. It mostly hover-gleans or snatches prey in short sallies from a perch, and occasionally captures prey on the wing.

Did you know?

Its nest is a globe with a side entrance made from moss, leaf stems, and grasses, typically hung from a vine or an exposed root beneath an overhanging log, rock, or stream bank.