Stub-tailed Spadebill

Overview

The stub-tailed spadebill (Platyrinchus cancrominus) is a small passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. It is characterised by its short, stub-like tail and broad bill, and is found throughout Central America.

Identification

• Small bird growing up to 9.5 cm long, with a notably stubby tail and a broad, flat, brown bill.
• Plumage features brown on the head, mantle, and wings, a white throat, and a yellow breast in males (females may have brown and yellow plumage).
• Distinctive yellow postocular stripes on the face and pinkish feet.
• Produces a nasal, rapid, and shaky 'ki-di-di-di-rrril' call, often heard after short flights.

Habitat

Found in tropical dry rainforests and subtropical moist forests from southern Mexico through Central America to north-western Panama. It occupies the undergrowth of these forests at elevations up to 1,500 m, blending into the foliage for protection.

Diet

An omnivore that feeds on arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and homopteran bugs, as well as low-hanging berries, fruits, and seeds. It forages in the lower strata of the rainforest and often participates in mixed-species feeding flocks for protection.

Did you know?

Despite being an omnivore, some individuals may exclusively feed on plants, shifting their preferences between fruits and seeds depending on which is more abundant.