Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadicens

Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadicens. Photograph taken within Reserva Monte Mojino, Alamos, Sonora, December 2018. Photograph and identification courtesy of David F Smith, Alamos.

Background and Identification

The Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadicens, is a member of the Tyrannidae family of Tyrant Flycatchers. This species is a striking, medium-sized bird known for its vibrant plumage and chunky build. Few tyrant flycatchers are as difficult to distinguish taxonomically, as twelve subspecies are recognized across an extremely large geographical range. Plumage variation is substantial, and there are reasonably large differences between the songs of Middle and South American populations. In Mexico, the Bright-rumped Attila is called Mosquero Atila.

Adult Bright-rumped Attilas are a polymorphic species and have a distinctive yellow rump, contrasting their olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts. In a polymorphic species, each individual, regardless of sex, has different plumage coloration and patterns. Their head is adorned with a grayish-brown crown and a slightly hooked bill, typical of species in the flycatcher family. They also have a white throat and a faint, darker eye stripe. Birds in the Middle Americas tend to have more cinnamon and brownish underparts when compared to southern populations. The Bright-rumped Attila is approximately 17 cm (6.7 inches) to 19 cm (7.5 inches) long and weigh between 31.4 g (1.10 oz) to 40.0 g (1.41 oz), these birds are relatively easy to identify by their bright coloration and distinctive call, a series of loud, clear whistles.

Habitat and Geographical Range

Bright-rumped Attilas are typically found in tropical and subtropical forests, including both lowland and montane rainforests, as well as forest edges and secondary growth. They prefer areas with dense vegetation, where they can hunt for insects and other small prey. They are inconspicuous birds, known for their elusive nature and often staying hidden within the thick foliage.

Geographically, the Bright-rumped Attila inhabits southern Mexico through Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and into parts of South America, such as Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. They are year-round residents in these regions, with no significant migratory patterns.

Common Misidentifications

The Bright-rumped Attila can be confused with other flycatchers and similar-sized birds in their range. One common look-alike is the Rufous Mourner, Rhytipterna holerythra, which also has rufous-brown upperparts but lacks the bright yellow rump and has more uniform coloration overall.

Conservation Status

From a conservation perspective the Bright-rumped Attila is currently considered to be of Least Concern with stable, widely distributed populations. However, like many tropical forest birds, they face threats from habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development.