The royal flycatcher is the name used for four species of birds belonging to the family of Tityridae. The word ‘Royal’ refers to the fascinating feather display on the crown of the bird’s head, a beautiful cluster of red, yellow, white, blue, or black colors. The royal flycatcher birds use this brilliant colorful plumage to display courtship rituals, after mating, while grooming or fighting with other males over territory.

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 and violet-blue fan. Also note the long bill, and pale cinnamon rump and tail. Usually found as singles or pairs in open mid-level canopy, 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.

How many species of royal flycatchers are there?

Following are the royal flycatcher species-

• Amazonian royal flycatcher
• Northern royal flycatcher
• Pacific royal flycatcher

Atlantic Royal Flycatcher

Northern Royal Flycatcher