Cinnamon flycatcher

Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus

Cinnamon flycatcher - Cerro Kennedy, Magdalena, Colombia

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus
  • Spanish Name: Birro canela
  • Family: Tyrannidae
  • Known Nicknames: Birro canela, Mosquero canela
  • Average Length: 12–13 cm / 4.7–5.1 in
  • Average Weight: 10–12 g / 0.35–0.42 oz
  • Wingspan: 18–22 cm / 7.1–8.7 in
  • Key Feature: Distinctive uniform cinnamon-rufous plumage with contrasting dark olive-brown wings and tail
  • Primary Diet: Insectivore
  • Range: Andes Mountains from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia to northwest Argentina
  • Habitat: Humid montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges
  • Social Structure: Solitary, pairs, or small family groups; frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup nest made of moss and lichen, usually built on mossy banks, cliff ledges, or tree trunks
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Cinnamon flycatcher (*Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus*) is a vibrant and charismatic songbird native to the lush, high-altitude cloud forests of the Andes. Standing out as the sole member of its genus, this small avian gem is easily identified by its rich, glowing cinnamon-rufous underparts and crown, which contrast beautifully with its olive-brown back and dark wings adorned with two prominent cinnamon wing bars. Known for its upright posture and bold personality, the Cinnamon flycatcher is a master of aerial acrobatics, frequently darting from exposed perches to snatch insects mid-air in a classic "sallying" maneuver. Its warm, fiery plumage makes it a striking sight amidst the misty, green foliage of its mountainous home, serving as a bright spark of color in the often-cloudy Andean landscape.

Faits amusants

The Cinnamon flycatcher is the only member of its genus, *Pyrrhomyias*, making it an evolutionarily distinct lineage within the flycatcher family. These birds are remarkably bold and often allow humans to approach quite closely while they maintain a favorite "lookout" perch to hunt. While most flycatchers hide their nests in thick foliage, this species has the quirky habit of building its mossy, cup-shaped home on exposed earthen banks or mossy rock faces. Additionally, it is known for its "sallying" hunting style, where it performs a sudden, acrobatic loop into the air to snap up an insect before returning to the exact same twig to wait for its next meal.

Habitats et répartition

This species is primarily distributed along the Andes mountain range in South America, spanning from northern Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia to northwestern Argentina. It is a common resident of high-altitude regions, typically occurring at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 meters, though it may occasionally be found as low as 700 meters or as high as 3,500 meters depending on the specific locality. Its preferred habitats include humid montane forests, cloud forests, and the lush edges of woodland clearings. It is frequently observed in the mid-story and canopy of these environments, often perching on exposed branches to hunt for insects. These birds favor areas with dense vegetation and consistent moisture, which are characteristic of the Andean slopes they inhabit.

Comportements & Reproduction

Typically observed alone or in monogamous pairs, this species maintains a relatively sedentary and territorial lifestyle within high-altitude cloud forests. It employs a "sit-and-wait" hunting strategy, perching upright on exposed branches to launch short, acrobatic aerial sallies for insects. While it occasionally joins mixed-species foraging flocks, its social structure is primarily centered on the pair bond, with individuals often returning to the same favored perches within their territory. Reproduction involves the construction of a compact, cup-shaped nest made of moss, liverworts, and lichen, usually tucked into a niche on a mossy bank, cliff side, or tree trunk. A typical clutch consists of two cream-colored eggs marked with reddish-brown spots. Both parents share responsibilities in defending the nest and provisioning the chicks, a cooperative strategy that supports the development of the young in damp, cool environments. A notable reproductive strategy is the selection of vertical, moss-covered substrates for nesting, which provides excellent natural camouflage against predators.

Alimentation

The Cinnamon flycatcher is primarily an insectivorous bird that survives on a diverse array of flying invertebrates, including beetles, flies, wasps, and moths found within its high-altitude Andean habitat. To capture its prey, it utilizes a specialized hunting technique known as hawking, where it sits on an exposed, prominent perch and launches into the air to snatch insects in mid-flight with remarkable agility. An interesting characteristic of its feeding behavior is its tendency to return to the same vantage point repeatedly after a successful aerial strike, a habit that allows it to maintain a consistent watch over its territory. Furthermore, while it often hunts independently, it occasionally participates in mixed-species foraging flocks, capitalizing on the collective movement of various birds to find insects that have been disturbed or flushed from the surrounding vegetation.

Couleurs

The Cinnamon flycatcher is characterized by its vibrant cinnamon-orange underparts and a contrasting dusky olive-brown crown and back. Its blackish wings are marked by two bold, tawny-rufous wing bars and a distinct wing patch, while the tail is dark with rufous edges. This warm, earthy coloration serves as effective camouflage within the dappled light and mossy bark of its Andean cloud forest habitat.