- Passeriformes
- Onychorhynchidae
Atlantic Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus swainsoni
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Identification
Endemic to southeastern Brazil. Uncommon, medium-sized, overall brown flycatcher of humid tropical forest in lowlands. Note the hammerhead crest—very rarely fully raised to reveal spectacular, flame-red fan with violet-blue-black tips. Otherwise looks rather flat-headed. Also note the long bill, and pale cinnamon rump and tail. Usually found as singles or pairs in mid-levels of dense forest, where flutters actively after insects. Nest is a straggly mass of dead vegetation up to 3 feet long that hangs from the tip of a branch, often along streambeds. Often detected by single sharp squeaky calls.