Snowy-throated Kingbird

Overview

The snowy-throated kingbird, Tyrannus niveigularis, is a species of tyrant flycatcher native to South America. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, where it inhabits a variety of wooded and semi-wooded environments below 1,500 m. The species is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.

Identification

• Length of 18.5 to 19 cm with a weight of approximately 34.4 g in males; sexes share identical plumage.
• Gray crown and nape with a partially hidden yellow patch, a thin black forecrown band widening into a mask, and pale gray upperparts.
• White cheeks and throat that transition to pale gray on the breast, with pale yellow belly and undertail coverts.
• Dawn song described as a fast, jumbled 'ki-ki-ki-kr-reé-it!' with a sharp 'kip!' call that may extend into a 'kip! kr-r-r-ee-ee-ee'.

Habitat

Found west of the Andes from southwestern Colombia through Ecuador into northern Peru, occupying gallery forest, deciduous forest, arid scrublands, secondary forest, and agricultural areas with retained woodlands. Elevational preferences range below 1,500 m in Colombia, mostly below 500 m in Ecuador, and below 700 m in Peru. During non-breeding seasons in northern Ecuador and Colombia, it may occur in more humid landscapes.

Diet

Diet includes insects from the Hymenoptera and Coleoptera families as well as berries. Forages singly or in pairs, using sallies from perches atop trees or shrubs to catch insects in mid-air or pluck fruit from foliage.

Did you know?

This partial migrant usually leaves Peru entirely between July and November, though strong El Niño years may cause individuals to remain in the country longer than typical.