Golden-crowned Spadebill

Overview

The golden-crowned spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus) is a small tyrant flycatcher found in the tropical and lower subtropical zones of Central and South America. It is the smallest member of its genus and is considered a year-round resident across its disjunct range.

Identification

• About 8.5 to 9 cm long with a large head, bold facial pattern, and stubby tail.
• Features a wide, flat bill with a black upper mandible and pale yellow lower mandible.
• Males of the nominate subspecies display a black crown with a partially hidden orange-rufous patch, while females have a purer orange patch.
• Pale buff-yellow markings appear above the lores, as an eye-ring, behind the eye, and on the ear coverts.
• Song is a very high-pitched, rapid, hissing trill that is easily mistaken for an insect noise.

Habitat

Found in the understory of humid primary and mature secondary forests, including both várzea and terra firme habitats in lowlands and foothills. Its distribution spans from Honduras to Panama and throughout mainland South America, excluding Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Elevation ranges vary by subspecies, from sea level up to 2,000 m.

Diet

Feeds primarily on arthropods, foraging singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, and frequently joining mixed-species feeding flocks. It typically sits still in the shady but open forest understory and captures prey with short upward sallies from perches located 1 to 5 m above the ground.

Did you know?

The nest, constructed from plant fibers and fungal rhizomorphs bound with spider web, is often decorated with moss and spider egg cases, closely resembling a hummingbird nest.