ID Keys: Greenish-brown upperparts, brownish wings and tail, bright
yellow underparts, bold black-and-white facial pattern. Orangish
crown stripe (often not visible)
The
Social Flycatcher is a common species with a wide geographic range from
Mexico, through Central America, and into much of northern South America.
In the United States, they are known from a handful of records in southern
Texas. The first sighting in the United States occurred in January of
2005. In their native range, they have adapted very well to a human
presence, and are often found in and around suburban areas.
Habitat
Found in a very wide variety of open
woodland and semi-open habitats. They can be found in and around
forest clearings, forest edges, shrublands, agricultural areas, and also in
suburban settings. They are often found near water, near the shores of
lakes and rivers.
Diet
Most often feeds on insects, fruits, and
berries. They have also on occasion been found to feed on small vertebrates
such as small frogs and tadpoles.
Behavior
Forages by observing from a perch, and
flying out to capture insects, including by hovering and gleaning insects
from foliage. They are a social species and can often be found
foraging in large groups, particularly when feeding on fruits and berries.
Nesting
The nest of a Social Flycatcher is a
large dome of grasses, twigs, and often, man-made material such as bits of
plastic or other debris. The female builds the nest and lays between 2
and 4 eggs. She alone incubates the eggs. The young fledge about 18
days after hatching.
Song
Has a variety of harsh calls, including a
buzzy trill, a sharp peeurrr, and a harsh twittering call.
Migration
Considered a permanent resident
throughout much of their range. In some areas, they are short-distance
migrants.
Similar to other Myiozetetes species, but the Social Flycatcher is the only
one to have been seen in the United States. Unlikely to be confused
with other species found in the United States.
