Swainson's Flycatcher Myiarchus swainsoni Scientific name definitions

The Swainson's Flycatcher is a large flycatcher that ranges over much of lowland South America. Found in most forest habitats east of the Andes and north of Patagonia, the species is typically found below 1200 meters in elevation. It appears like a typical Myiarchus flycatcher, lanky with a stout bill and crest, pale ashy throat and breast, yellow belly, and brown upperparts with pale edging to the wing feathers. Most Swainson's Flycatchers have pale pinkish brown mandibles, though northern birds do have all black bills. There is a much geographic variation in appearance and vocalizations, though a common song heard widely is a strong, three-part, whistled phrase. Additionally, some populations of Swainson's Flycatcher are migratory, so seasonal distribution might muddle subspecific identification. Taxonomically, this bird has been called "one of those cases that gives taxonomists nightmares" (W.E. Lanyon 1982).

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

S populations of nominate and ferocior migratory, moving to, respectively, N South America (E Colombia E to E Brazil) and Amazon Basin (N to S Colombia); migratory status of more N breeding populations of these races, however, unclear. Vagrant to Aruba, Netherlands Antilles (2 Mlodinow, S.G. (2015). Three new species for Aruba, with notes on other significant sightings. J. Carib. Orn.. 28: 1–5. Close ). Nominate tracks relatively constant temperature range throughout year during course of annual migration. Migratory status of pelzelni, and that of intergrading races, warrants further study.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Fairly common to common. Occurs in at least twelve national parks and many other protected areas throughout its very large range. Able to live a reasonably wide range of wooded habitats, and thought unlikely to be at any risk in the near future.