Ochre-bellied flycatcher

The ochre-bellied flycatcher is a small, charming bird that belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family. These diminutive birds range from southern Mexico through Central America, extending all the way to southern Brazil. They also inhabit the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Preferred habitats include humid forests, particularly in proximity to water.

One distinctive feature of these birds is their nesting behavior. They construct moss-covered, ball-shaped nests with a side entrance, often suspended from roots or branches, typically over water. The female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs, usually laying two or three white ones. The incubation period lasts about 18 to 20 days, and once the chicks hatch, they fledge after a similar duration.

Adult ochre-bellied flycatchers measure approximately 12.7 cm (5 inches) in length and weigh around 11 grams. Their plumage consists of olive-green upperparts with a greenish head and upper breast, while their underparts display a distinctive ochre hue. They also feature two buff wing bars and buff-edged feathers on their closed wings. Males are slightly larger than females. There are various subspecies that exhibit minor differences in the prominence of their wing bars or the shade of their upperparts. Historically, these birds were classified under the genus Pipromorpha.

Unlike many other tyrant flycatchers, ochre-bellied flycatchers are more reserved and have a diverse diet that includes seeds, berries, insects, and spiders.

Male ochre-bellied flycatchers produce several distinctive calls, including a high-pitched "chip" and a louder "choo." During displays, males can be observed jumping, flutter-flying, and hovering. However, they do not participate in raising the young, leaving that responsibility entirely to the females.