Black-capped Flycatcher
The Black-capped Flycatcher is a small tyrant flycatcher found in cloud forests and montane regions of Central America, characterized by its distinctive black cap, yellow underparts, and typical flycatcher behavior of sallying from perches to catch insects in mid-air.
Empidonax atriceps
Scientific Name
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
Family
Passeriformes
Order
Range and Habitat of Black-capped Flycatcher
Geographic Range
Endemic to highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama (Chiriquí Province)
Migratory Patterns
Non-migratory resident. Minor altitudinal movements during harsh weather.
Preferred Habitat
Oak-dominated cloud forests, páramo edges, bamboo thickets (Chusquea), forest clearings, mountain pastures with scattered trees, stunted elfin forest
Altitude Range
Most common 2,400-3,200 m, occasionally 2,000-3,400 m (to treeline)
Costa Rica Habitat
- Cordillera Central (Volcán Poás, Volcán Barva, Volcán Irazú, Volcán Turrialba)
- Cordillera de Talamanca (Cerro de la Muerte, Chirripó)
- Provinces: Alajuela, Heredia, San José, Cartago, Limón (western edge), Puntarenas (high elevations)
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama highlands
Climate change causing upslope habitat compression
Conservation efforts
Well-protected in Costa Rica's mountain national parks, habitat included in UNESCO World Heritage Site (La Amistad)
Primary Threats
Climate change causing upslope habitat compression
Black-capped Flycatcher Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
Length: 11-11.5 cm; Weight: 9.5-11.5 g (males average 10.8 g, females 10.2 g)
Plumage
Adults: Distinctive glossy black cap extending to eye level. White or pale gray supercilium (eyebrow) from bill base to behind eye. Back olive-green. Wings dusky with two prominent yellowish-white wing bars. Throat grayish-white. Breast olive-gray, grading to pale yellow on belly. Undertail coverts pale yellow.
Juveniles: Similar but black cap duller, more sooty-brown. Wing bars buffer. Overall plumage less contrasting.
Distinctive Features
Small black bill (9-10 mm), broad-based and slightly hooked at tip, distinctive complete eye-ring, white to pale gray
Sexual Dimorphism
Minimal - males average slightly larger with marginally glossier black cap, but differences not reliable for field identification.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Small flying insects: flies, flying ants, wasps, bees; beetles; moths and butterflies
Foraging Techniques
- Classic flycatcher sallies from exposed perches
Feeding Times
- Most active early morning (6:00-10:00) and late afternoon (14:00-17:00), reduced activity during midday
Behavior Patterns
Black-capped Flycatcher
Social Structure
Usually solitary or in pairs, family groups during breeding season
Song and Vocalization
Dawn song: Sharp “pi-pip-pip-BEER” or “wit-wit-BZEEP” with emphatic ending
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Male performs butterfly-flight displays and feeds female
Territoriality
Defends small territories (0.5-1 hectare) during breeding season; overlapping home ranges in non-breeding season
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Black-capped Flycatcher
- Cerro de la Muerte (KM 89-95 on Route 2, especially páramo areas)
- Villa Mills area
- Savegre Mountain Lodge upper trails
- Los Quetzales National Park
- Chirripó National Park (Los Crestones trail)
- Irazú Volcano National Park (summit area)
- Poás Volcano National Park (Escalonia trail when open)
- Paraíso Quetzal Lodge area
Best Time of the Year
Year-round, but most active and vocal April-June during breeding season
Common Behavior
Look for small flycatcher on exposed perches at forest edge. Listen for sharp calls at dawn.
Recommended Gear
- 8×42 binoculars suitable for open habitat viewing
- Warm, waterproof clothing essential
- Camera with 400-600mm lens for photography
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
April-June, peak April-May (early wet season)
Nesting Sites
Cup-shaped nest of moss, rootlets, and bamboo fibers lined with feathers and plant down. Placed 2-8 m high in vertical fork of tree or bamboo.
Clutch Size
2-3 eggs (usually 2)
Incubation Period
14-15 days
Parental Care
Female incubates alone; both parents feed nestlings. Fledging at 14-16 days. Post-fledging care continues for 3-4 weeks.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
Has been observed catching snowflakes during rare frost events
Cultural Significance
Known locally as “tontillo” (little fool) due to its confiding nature and tendency to allow close approach
Surprising Traits
Can survive overnight temperatures below freezing
Has been recorded catching prey in complete fog using sound aloneHow do I identify this bird?
Look for a small flycatcher with distinctive glossy black cap, white eyebrow stripe, two wing bars, and pale eye-ring. The combination of black cap and high-elevation habitat is diagnostic. No other Empidonax flycatcher in Costa Rica has a black cap.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
The páramo areas along Route 2 at Cerro de la Muerte (KM 89-95) offer the easiest access and most reliable sightings. Villa Mills and the communication tower road are particularly productive. Early morning provides best activity levels.
Is it endangered?
Not currently endangered (Least Concern), but its restricted high-elevation range makes it vulnerable to climate change. The species is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama highlands, found nowhere else in the world.