Social Flycatcher
ExploreBirds
Social Flycatcher
myiozetetes similis
The Social Flycatcher is a vibrant, highly active passerine bird native to the Americas, ranging from northwestern Mexico down to northeastern Argentina. Known for its noisy and social disposition, this member of the tyrant flycatcher family is often seen in pairs or small family groups, constantly communicating with a range of sharp, piping calls. They are highly adaptable birds, frequently seen perched on exposed branches, telephone wires, or fence posts near water sources or open areas. What makes the Social Flycatcher particularly captivating is its bold personality and aggressive defense of its nesting territory. Despite its relatively small size, it will not hesitate to mob much larger birds, such as hawks or toucans, that venture too close to its bulky, domed nest. Their conspicuous nature, cheerful appearance, and tolerance of human presence make them a beloved sight for birdwatchers across their extensive neotropical range.
Habitat: Found in semi-open habitats, forest edges, agricultural areas, and gardens, almost always in close proximity to water.
Appearance
The Social Flycatcher is a medium-sized flycatcher, measuring about 16 to 18 cm in length, with a bright olive-brown back and striking, vivid yellow underparts. Its head pattern is highly distinctive, featuring a dark grey-black crown with a concealed crown patch of orange or red, bordered by a prominent white supercilium and a dark eye stripe. It closely resembles the larger Great Kiskadee, but can be distinguished by its much smaller bill, smaller overall size, and the absence of rufous coloration on its wings and tail.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusMyiozetetes
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their small size, Social Flycatchers are incredibly brave and will fearlessly attack large raptors that approach their nests.
Their scientific name Myiozetetes translates roughly to 'fly-seeker', highlighting their expert insect-hunting lifestyle.
They are known to feed on tadpoles and tiny fish swimming near the surface of the water, a rare behavior for typical tyrant flycatchers.
They build bulky, spherical nests with a side entrance, often constructing them near wasp nests for added protection from predators.
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Hawking
They are highly skilled at spotting flying insects from an exposed perch and launching brief, agile aerial pursuits to snap them out of the air.
Ability
Cooperative Mobbing
They work together in family groups to aggressively harass and drive away potential nest predators, regardless of the predator's size.
Ability
Vocal Sentinel
They possess a rich repertoire of loud, high-pitched calls used to defend territory and warn family members of incoming threats.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 16-18 cm
- Wingspan
- 26-30 cm
- Weight
- 0.024-0.03 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-4
- Incubation
- 14-16 days
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on flying insects caught mid-air, but also consumes a significant amount of small fruits, berries, and occasionally small tadpoles.
Age differences: Chicks are fed almost exclusively high-protein insects by parents before transitioning to include fruits as they mature.
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Berries
- Small figs
- Tadpoles
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
competitor
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Great Kiskadee
Pitangus sulphuratus
Competes for food resources, nesting sites, and territory in overlapping habitats.
mutualism
Strangler Fig
Ficus aurea
Provides food through its abundant fruiting cycles, which the flycatcher relies on heavily.
parasite
Botfly
Philornis pici
Larvae parasitize the nestlings of the flycatcher, feeding on their blood and tissue.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Social Flycatcher?
The easiest way to identify Social Flycatcher is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Social Flycatcher?
16-18 cm
What is Social Flycatcher's wingspan?
26-30 cm
How much does Social Flycatcher weigh?
0.024-0.03 kg
How long does Social Flycatcher live?
3-6 years
How fast can Social Flycatcher move?
40 km/h
What does Social Flycatcher eat?
Primarily feeds on flying insects caught mid-air, but also consumes a significant amount of small fruits, berries, and occasionally small tadpoles.
Where is Social Flycatcher usually found?
Found in semi-open habitats, forest edges, agricultural areas, and gardens, almost always in close proximity to water.
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