Black-throated Tody-Tyrant vs Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher

In short

The Black-throated Tody-Tyrant and Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher can be distinguished by their head markings: the former has a black throat and lower-cheek patch, while the latter features a rufous crown and rusty face. Both species inhabit humid montane forests but differ in their elevation ranges and distribution.

Identification tips

1. Look for the black throat on the Black-throated Tody-Tyrant versus the rufous crown on the Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher. 2. Note the elevation: Black-throated is found higher (1800-3300m) than Rufous-crowned (1500-2500m). 3. Observe behavior: Black-throated is more solitary, while Rufous-crowned avoids mixed flocks. 4. Listen for vocal differences: Black-throated's voice is more prominent.

Size

Both species are small flycatchers, typical of the Tyrannidae family, with no significant size difference noted.

Plumage

The Black-throated Tody-Tyrant has olive-green upperparts and a distinctive black throat, whereas the Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher is marked by a rufous crown, olive back, and blackish wings with yellow wingbars. The Rufous-crowned also has a rusty face and a grayish-white collar.

Behaviour

The Black-throated Tody-Tyrant is often seen perched stolidly and making short sallies for insects, typically alone or in pairs. The Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher is usually found independently of mixed foraging flocks.

Habitat

The Black-throated Tody-Tyrant is found from northern Colombia to west-central Bolivia at elevations of 1800 to 3300 meters, while the Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher ranges from western Venezuela to northern Peru at 1500 to 2500 meters.

Voice

The Black-throated Tody-Tyrant's voice is more noticeable than its habits, while the Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher is detected by its quiet, stuttering calls.