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KISKADEE-LIKE FLYCATCHERS (7 species). A group of medium-size and large flycatchers, not
always closely related, share the kiskadee pattern of a boldly striped head and bright yellow underparts
(also cf. Golden-bellied Flycatcher, p. 318). Often noisy and conspicuous, yet generally avoided by
predators, these flycatchers may represent examples of mimicry, reinforcing or imitating the pattern of
the bad-tasting Great Kiskadee. Multiple species can associate together, especially at fruiting trees. For
ID note bill size and shape, details of head pattern, habitat, and especially voice. Like many tyrant
flycatchers, adults have a yellow to red crown patch, usually concealed but flared in interactions.
GREAT KISKADEE Pitangus sulphuratus 23–25cm. Large, conspicuous, and
often noisy flycatcher of varied semi-open and open habitats, often near water;
not typically in forest. Forages low to high, often at fruiting trees with other large
flycatchers, thrushes, etc. Note stout pointed bill, bright rusty wings and tail,
voice; yellow crown patch often concealed. Cf. Boat-billed and social flycatchers.
Juv. has even more extensive rusty on wings and tail, lacks yellow crown patch.
SOUNDS: Loud. Raucous overslurred reéah, and híh-reéah, plus longer variations,
including kíh káh-réah (‘Kis ka-dee’). Dawn song a steady series of short,
overslurred raucous screeches alternated with short burry chatters, h-rríeah
h-rríeah rríeah kihr-rr-rr, h’rríeh..., and variations. STATUS: Common to fairly common on both slopes,
locally to 2200m, rarely higher. Increasing and spreading with deforestation. (Mexico to S America.)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER Megarynchus pitangua 23–24cm. Large, stout-
billed flycatcher of forest and edge, plantations, adjacent semi-open areas with
larger trees, gallery forest. Mainly at mid–upper levels in canopy, in pairs or
family groups. Note very stout black bill, lack of bright rusty in wings and tail,
voice; cf. Great Kiskadee, smaller White-ringed and social flycatchers. Orange-
yellow crown patch of adult usually concealed. Juv. has cinnamon wing and tail
edgings, lacks colored crown patch. SOUNDS: Grating, harsh, drawn-out
eihrrrrr, often upslurred at end, and screechy, rhythmic bickering chatters, with
cadence suggesting Northern Social Flycatcher. Dawn song a simple, burry,
downslurred prrriu, every 1–2 secs. STATUS: Fairly common to common on both slopes, locally to 2200m,
rarely higher. (Mexico to S America.)
WHITE-RINGED FLYCATCHER Conopias albovittatus 15–16cm. Medium-
size flycatcher of humid lowland forest canopy and edge, often along rivers; not
usually in open and semi-open habitats like Myiozetetes flycatchers (next plate).
Looks like a mini Boat-billed Flycatcher, longer-billed than social flycatchers of
more open habitats. Usually in pairs or small groups in and atop canopy, sally
ing to pluck insects and fruit from foliage; often detected by ringing calls. Note
medium size, bold white head stripes, habits, voice; cf. social flycatchers, Boat-
billed Flycatcher. Yellow crown patch usually concealed. Juv. has cinnamon
wing edgings, lacks crown patch. SOUNDS: Shrill, rattled, staccato trills, mostly
0.5–1 sec, usually introduced by a faster, overslurred brreéhr and often given persistently. Dawn song (?)
a short version of call, wheéih dr-drit or wheéih dr-dr-drit, repeated about every 1 sec. STATUS: Uncommon
to fairly common on Caribbean slope, locally to 700m. (Honduras to nw. Ecuador.)
