Small Yungas tyrant flycatcher measuring approximately 13 cm in length, with a compact appearance and generally upright posture. It displays predominantly orange plumage, especially noticeable on the nape, throat, breast, and flanks, becoming yellow-orange on the belly and undertail coverts. The head shows a dark brown crown and face, concealing a small golden-yellow crown patch that is usually difficult to observe. The upperparts are olive-green and contrast with a striking ochre-orange band on the rump. The wings are dark and show two conspicuous orange wing bars, along with broad cinnamon edges on the secondary feathers, particularly visible in flight. The tail is dark. The iris is dark brown and highlighted by a small pale lower crescent around the eye. The bill is black, relatively short and slender, with a slightly hooked tip, and the legs are black. Males and females are similar in appearance. Juveniles are duller, with browner tones and without the visible yellow crown patch.
Geographic distribution: It occurs along the Andes from Venezuela to northwestern Argentina, where it inhabits the Yungas of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca, mainly in montane forests and cloud forests between approximately 1,300 and 1,700 m above sea level, although it may locally occur outside this elevational range. It is largely a resident species, although in Argentina it appears to undertake seasonal movements and becomes much less common during the winter months.
Habitat: It inhabits forest edges, clearings, ravines, and open sectors within the Yungas, especially montane forests and cloud forests. It frequents both the midstory and lower canopy, using exposed branches, isolated trees, and the edges of trails or roads as perches.
Diet: It feeds primarily on arthropods. It captures insects through short sallies from elevated perches, usually returning to the same perch after each attempt. It may also take prey from foliage and occasionally consume small fruits. It often forages in pairs or near mixed-species flocks without fully joining them.
Behavior: It is generally observed alone or in pairs. It remains alert on exposed branches in the middle or upper strata, from where it performs short, elastic flights to capture insects in the air. It is an active, restless, and relatively approachable species. Its characteristic voice consists of a dry, high-pitched, vibrating trill, and it also emits short, sharp contact notes.
Nesting: It builds a small open cup nest composed mainly of mosses, lichens, and plant fibers. The nest is placed in crevices, cavities, or sheltered ledges on banks, fallen logs, or natural rock faces, usually near streams or in humid environments. The known clutch consists of two whitish eggs marked with reddish-brown spots.
Conservation status: Classified as Least Concern (LC) at both the international and national levels. It is a relatively common species within suitable Yungas habitats, particularly in well-preserved montane forests and protected areas such as Calilegua National Park in Jujuy.
Author of this compilation: María Belén Dri and Diego Carús – 06/17/2026