Northern Royal Flycatcher
This species was recently split from the Tropical Royal Flycatcher complex. The monotypic O. mexicanus occurs from Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica, replacing O. coronatus in the northern part of Central America.
Onychorhynchus mexicanus
Scientific Name
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) - formerly placed in Tyrannidae
Family
Passeriformes
Order
Range and Habitat of Northern Royal Flycatcher
Geographic Range
The Northern Royal Flycatcher ranges from southern Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) through Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, to northwestern Costa Rica.
Migratory Patterns
This is a non-migratory resident species with no documented seasonal movements, though individuals may wander locally in response to food availability or during dispersal.
Preferred Habitat
The Northern Royal Flycatcher inhabits dry to semi-humid forests near water, gallery forests along rivers and streams, forest edges and clearings, secondary growth with tall trees, and deciduous and semi-deciduous forests. It shows strong preference for riparian areas within drier landscapes.
Altitude Range
This is primarily a lowland species. In Costa Rica, it occurs from sea level to 800 m elevation, with most records below 500 m.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, this species has a very limited distribution, confined primarily to the northwestern region. It occurs in Guanacaste province, particularly in the Tempisque River basin, Santa Rosa National Park, Palo Verde National Park, and along rivers in the Nicoya Peninsula. There are also records from northwestern Alajuela province near the Nicaraguan border. The species reaches its southern range limit in Costa Rica, with the closely related Tropical Royal Flycatcher (O. coronatus) replacing it further south.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
The Costa Rican population is small and restricted, likely consisting of fewer than 1,000 individuals.
Major threats include deforestation and degradation of riparian forests, which are critical habitat.
Conservation efforts
The Northern Royal Flycatcher receives some protection in Santa Rosa and Palo Verde National Parks. Riparian forest protection laws provide some habitat security.
Primary Threats
Major threats include deforestation and degradation of riparian forests, which are critical habitat.
Northern Royal Flycatcher Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
OccasionalBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
Length 16.5-18 cm; males weigh 13-17 g while females weigh 12-15 g.
Plumage
Both sexes appear predominantly dull brown when the crest is lowered, which is their normal appearance. The upperparts are uniformly olive-brown to rufous-brown with more rufous tones on the tail and rump. hen erected during displays or stress, males reveal a spectacular fan-shaped crest that is brilliant vermillion-red to orange-red with black tips and blue-black spots at the base creating a striking pattern. Females possess a similar crest structure but in yellow-orange to orange rather than red.
Distinctive Features
The most remarkable feature is the spectacular erectile crest, normally completely concealed and laid flat against the head. The bill is remarkably broad and flat, measuring 19-21 mm long and 10-12 mm wide at the base, colored blackish above and orange-yellow below.
Sexual Dimorphism
The primary sexual difference is crest coloration - brilliant red to orange-red in males versus yellow-orange to orange in females.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- The Northern Royal Flycatcher feeds primarily on flying insects including various flies (Diptera), flying ants, termites, and small wasps (Hymenoptera). It also takes small beetles (Coleoptera), dragonflies and damselflies near water, and mayflies and caddisflies over streams.
Foraging Techniques
- This species employs classic flycatcher sally-strike feeding, launching from exposed perches 2-10 meters high to catch prey in mid-air. It typically returns to the same or nearby perch after each sally.
Feeding Times
- Peak activity occurs during early morning from 6:00-9:00 and late afternoon from 15:00-18:00. The species feeds intermittently throughout the day in shaded areas and increases feeding rate during emergence of flying termites or ants.
Behavior Patterns
Northern Royal Flycatcher
Social Structure
These flycatchers are typically solitary except during breeding season when found in pairs. They rarely associate with mixed-species flocks, preferring to hunt alone. Family groups may remain together briefly after fledging.
Song and Vocalization
The Northern Royal Flycatcher is generally quiet with subtle vocalizations. The primary call is a clear, whistled “wheeep” or “pew-pew” given at long intervals. It produces a sharp “pik” or “tsik” alarm note when disturbed.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
The spectacular crest display is central to courtship behavior. Males perform elaborate crest-fanning displays, slowly rotating the head to display all angles of the brilliant red crest. Display flights involve slow, butterfly-like wing beats with crest fully erected. Males chase females through the forest with crests raised.
Territoriality
Pairs maintain territories of approximately 3-5 hectares during breeding season. Males defend territories primarily through crest displays rather than vocalizations.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Northern Royal Flycatcher
Key sites include Palo Verde National Park along the Tempisque River, Santa Rosa National Park riparian areas, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge (needs confirmation), riverside forests in the Bebedero area, gallery forests along the Corobicí River, and Las Pumas Rescue Center area near Cañas. The species is always scarce and requires patience and luck to observe.
Best Time of the Year
Best viewing opportunities occur from March to June during breeding season when birds are more active and vocal. Early morning from 6:00-9:00 offers peak activity levels.
Common Behavior
Look for solitary birds perched on exposed branches 2-5 meters high over or near water. Listen for occasional whistled calls, though the species is often silent. Watch for sallying flights returning to the same perch.
Recommended Gear
Essential equipment includes 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars for forest and river edge birding, a camera with good telephoto lens to capture crest displays if fortunate.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs during the late dry season and early wet season. In Costa Rica, nesting likely spans from March to July, with peak activity in April-May.
Nesting Sites
The nest is remarkable and distinctive, consisting of a long, pendulous structure measuring 60-200 cm in length, occasionally even longer. It is bag-shaped with a side entrance near the top, constructed from plant fibers, rootlets, moss, and dead leaves bound with spider silk. The nest typically hangs from branches or vines over water, positioned 3-8 meters above ground or water surface.
Clutch Size
2 eggs, rarely 1 or 3
Incubation Period
18-20 days
Parental Care
The female primarily incubates while the male defends the territory. Both parents feed nestlings with insects. Chicks fledge at 20-24 days. Post-fledging care continues for 3-4 weeks as young develop hunting skills.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
The crest is so well concealed when lowered that many observers never realize the bird’s spectacular display potential. Males have been observed practicing crest displays alone, suggesting the behavior requires development and maintenance.
Cultural Significance
The spectacular crest has made this bird legendary in Mexican and Central American folklore. Some indigenous cultures believed the red crest had magical properties or could predict rainfall. The Spanish name “Mosquero Real” (Royal Flycatcher) reflects the crown-like appearance of the erected crest. The species occasionally appears in pre-Columbian art from Mexico and Guatemala.
Surprising Traits
Despite the spectacular display, the crest is shown so rarely in nature that most field guides show illustrations based on museum specimens.
How do I identify this bird?
When the crest is lowered (its normal state), look for a plain brownish flycatcher with a distinctively broad, flat bill, rufous-brown tail, and ochre-buff underparts. The broad bill is much wider than other flycatchers. If you’re exceptionally lucky to see the crest erected, the brilliant red (males) or orange (females) fan is absolutely unmistakable.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
This species has a very limited range in Costa Rica, restricted to northwestern Guanacaste. Palo Verde National Park along riparian forests offers the best chances, though sightings are rare.
Is it endangered?
While listed as Least Concern globally, the Northern Royal Flycatcher is rare and local in Costa Rica where it reaches its southern range limit. The small population and restricted range make it vulnerable to habitat loss. This is definitely a species of conservation concern in Costa Rica.