Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia Scientific name definitions

The Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher has an apparently discontinuous range, from extreme southeast Mexico over the Caribbean slope of Middle America to western Panama, and then from Colombia to the Guianas, and in parts of north and northeastern Brazil. It is the sole member of the genus Poecilotriccus to occur north of the Darién Gap. The species’ plumage is notable for the dark gray head contrasting with the pale loral mark, and also has olive-green upperparts with two bold yellow wingbars. As many five subspecies have been described, although geographic variation is not striking. Like other Poecilotriccus, the species’ vocalizations sound insect- or frog-like to most ears. The Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher prefers dense shrubbery, vine tangles and other overgrown vegetation. Although principally insectivorous, it has been recorded taking small fruits. The nest is an elongated structure of vegetable matter, suspended above the ground and attached to a branch.