Black-tailed Myiobius

Overview

The black-tailed myiobius, or black-tailed flycatcher (Myiobius atricaudus), is a passerine bird in the family Onychorhynchidae. It is an uncommon species with a patchy distribution across tropical Central and South America, though it is classified as of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and likely large total population.

Identification

• Olive upper parts with a distinct yellow rump.
• Buff underparts, which may appear yellowish or yellowish-buff in birds from eastern Brazil.
• Found at altitudes up to 1,400 m, often in woodland edges and secondary forests.
• Less active and less acrobatic than the similar whiskered and sulphur-rumped myiobius.

Habitat

The species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including heavily degraded former forest, forest verges, and secondary growth, often near water. Its range spans patchily across Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and large parts of Brazil, where it generally occupies drier habitats and higher elevations than the whiskered myiobius.

Did you know?

Although it was previously categorised in the tyrant flycatcher (Tyrannidae) or tanager (Tityridae) families, the black-tailed myiobius is now recognised as belonging to the family Onychorhynchidae. It is one of only three species in the genus Myiobius, sharing its genus with the whiskered and sulphur-rumped myiobius.