Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis texensis)

26 January 2009, Rancho Naturalista, Costa Rica Taken in the rain. The tiny whitish spots on the scapulars are beaded raindrops. This common flycatcher looks like a pint-sized Boat-billed Flycatcher with a tiny bill. Their name is a misnomer as they are seldom found in flocks, but more often in pairs and small family groups. One source suggests they should be called the "Antisocial Flycatcher" because of their aggressive territoriality. Two races are found in Costa Rica and some authors consider them to be separate species. This is M. s. texensis which ranges north into Mexico. It has a concealed orange crown. Nominate M. s. similis occurs in SW Costa Rica into South America and is sometimes called Vermilion-crowned Flycatcher in honor of its deep red concealed crown. Panasonic Lumix LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)