Birdsong field guide
Black-capped Flycatcher
Empidonax atriceps
The Black-capped Flycatcher is a small, distinctive tyrant flycatcher endemic to the high-altitude mountains of southern Central America.
What it sounds like
A sharp, thin 'whit' or 'preek' note; the song is a dry, buzzy 'zhee-cheep'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It is the only member of the genus Empidonax to feature a solid, contrasting black cap.
- This species is a highland specialist, residing primarily at elevations between 2,000 and 3,300 meters.
- Unlike many of its migratory North American relatives, it is a non-migratory, year-round resident of its range.
- Nests are neat, moss-covered cups often built in trees or sometimes sheltered on mossy banks and rock faces.
- It typically hunts by sallying from an open perch to catch flying insects before returning to the same spot.
Habitat
High-altitude evergreen forests, oak woodlands, clearings, and shrubby paramo edges.
Range
Highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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