Pileated Flycatcher Xenotriccus mexicanus Scientific name definitions

Sometimes known as the Crested Wood Pewee, the Pileated Flycatcher is a distinctive, spiky-crested flycatcher largely confined to western Mexico, although it has recently also been discovered in northwest Guatemala. Unlike its sole congeneric, the Belted Flycatcher (Xenotriccus callizonus), this species inhabits arid montane scrub and thorn forests, even venturing into nearby agricultural areas, at elevations between 900 and 2000 m. Despite being largely resident, at least some individuals are suspected to descend in winter. The upperparts are largely grayish olive, becoming duskier over the wings and tail, with two whitish wing bars, pale lores and eye-ring, a white throat, and greyish to pale yellow underparts. It might easily be confused with one of the Empidonax species found in the same range, but is stockier, longer tailed, and heavier billed.