Whiskered flycatcher (Myiobius barbatus)

PNYC - El Paujil, Pasco, Peru. Aug 29, 2020

comments (6)

Thibaud Aronson

Lion

A good illustration of how genetics has changed our understanding of bird classification.
This looks like a regular flycatcher, doesn't it? Indeed, it was classed as such for a long time, and the commonly used vernacular name still reflects that.
And yet, modern genetic studies have shown it to be in a completely different family, Tityridae, a bizarre assemblage of some 45 species whose internal anatomy share a few characteristics, but whose outer appearance varies wildly, from the tiny, cotinga-like purpletufts to the fantastic royal flycatchers! Posted 4 years ago
1. Patomarazul
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, it is amazing how diverse species may look so alike, I guess is another case of convergent evolution at play! Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Thibaud Aronson
    
    Lion
    
    Indeed! Posted 4 years ago
3. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Very useful background info! Posted 4 years ago

Barry

Lion

Also, why name it for the hard to notice whiskers, when the pale yellow rump is so distinctive! Posted 4 years ago
1. Thibaud Aronson
  
  Lion
  
  Haha well there are four species in the genus, all of them nearly identical, and one of them is already called the sulphur-rumped flycatcher! Posted 4 years ago

The Whiskered myiobius

The whiskered myiobius or bearded flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tityridae, having previously been included in Tyrannidae. The whiskered myiobius is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Perching Birds

Species identified by Thibaud Aronson

By Thibaud Aronson

Uploaded Sep 14, 2020. Captured Aug 29, 2020 11:47 in Palcazu, 19320, Peru.

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Canon EOS 7D Mark II
f/8.0
1/200s
ISO3200
560mm

Captured in the winter. More winter photos.