Appearance
The Flycatchers family of birds contains a large number of species. They can be small, medium, large and extra-large. Some species are spectacularly colored, but most are greenish or grayish, and many are so hard to tell apart by looks that one needs to listen to their voices to determine who is who.
The Cliff flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea) is a medium-size songbird (7.4 in.), brown above, with cinnamon-rufous rump and basal tail, dusky wings and rufous flight feathers.
Hunting
These birds catch their insect food on the wing. Some species carry on their operations from a fixed perch while others return to a different perch after every sally into the air at flying insects. They rarely descend to the ground, but when they do, they rarely walk or hop around.
Nesting Behaviour
The Cliff flycatcher builds a nest of roots and straw held together with a salivary mucous adhesive.
Distribution
Each species has its own range, with some covering half the country and other limited to a small corner of a single state. It is commonly seen around roadcuts and natural cliffs and sometimes buildings in South America.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Image Credits: Nick Athanas
References:
- Robert S. Ridgely, Guy Tudor – Field Guide To The Songbirds Of South America: The Passerines
- Sally Roth – Backyard Bird Secrets For Every Season
