Bran-colored flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bran-colored flycatcher |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Myiophobus
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| Species: |
fasciatus
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The bran-colored flycatcher (scientific name: Myiophobus fasciatus) is a small bird. It belongs to a group of birds called passerines, which are often known as "perching birds." This little bird is part of the tyrant flycatcher family.
You can find the bran-colored flycatcher in many places! It lives in Costa Rica and stretches all the way through South America. Its home includes countries like Bolivia, Uruguay, and Argentina. It also lives on the island of Trinidad.
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Where Do Bran-colored Flycatchers Live?
These flycatchers like to live in open forests. They also enjoy areas with "secondary growth." This means places where forests have grown back after being cleared, like young woodlands.
What About Their Nests and Babies?
Bran-colored flycatchers build a special nest. It's shaped like a deep cup. They make it from small stems and tree bark. Inside, they line it with soft plant fibers. The nest hangs from a side branch, usually low down in a tree.
A female flycatcher typically lays two eggs. These eggs are cream-colored and have a reddish-brown ring around them. The mother bird sits on the eggs for about 17 days. After the chicks hatch, they stay in the nest for another 15 to 17 days before they are ready to fly.
Sometimes, another bird called the shiny cowbird lays its eggs in the flycatcher's nest. This is called "brood parasitism." The cowbird tricks the flycatcher into raising its babies!
What Does a Bran-colored Flycatcher Look Like?
An adult bran-colored flycatcher is about 12.7 centimeters (about 5 inches) long. It weighs around 10.5 grams, which is about the same as a few paper clips!
- Head and Back: The top of its head and its back are a dark reddish-brown color.
- Secret Crest: On its head, it has a hidden yellow crest. When the bird gets excited, it can raise this yellow patch!
- Wings: Its wings have two light, pale yellow stripes.
- Underparts: Its belly is a pale yellow, and its chest and sides have dark streaks.
- Beak: The top part of its beak is black, and the bottom part is brown.
Both male and female bran-colored flycatchers look very similar. Young birds, however, don't have the yellow crest on their heads yet.
How Do They Behave?
Bran-colored flycatchers are usually found alone. They are quite shy and can be hard to spot. They move quickly through the bushes and plants. They are always looking for small insects to eat. They also enjoy eating berries.
If you listen carefully, you might hear their call. It sounds like a whistle, often described as chep, chewee.
