Rufous Flycatcher

The rufous flycatcher is 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in) long and weighs 21 to 25 g (0.74 to 0.88 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a brown head and upperparts except for rufous uppertail coverts. Their wings are mostly rufous with brown primary coverts and some brown on the others. Their outer pair of tail feathers are rufous-brown and the rest have dark rufous inner webs and dark chocolate-brown outer webs with a thin rufous edge. Their throat and underparts are light cinnamon-rufous that is lighter on the chin and darker on the undertail coverts. Their iris, bill, and legs and feet are dark. Juveniles are similar to adults.

The rufous flycatcher is found in northwestern Peru from Tumbes Department to Ancash Department. It previously was found further south to northern Lima Department. For most of the length of its range it is found within 50 km (30 mi) of the coast. In addition, unconfirmed sight records in extreme southwestern Ecuador lead the South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society to class it as hypothetical in that country. It inhabits an arid landscape of thorn scrub, steppe, and areas of sparse grass with widely separated mesquite (Prosopis) and Acacia trees. It also occurs in agricultural areas. In elevation it ranges from sea level to 500 m (1,600 ft).