Species profile
About this species
The Atlantic Royal Flycatcher is a striking bird found in the forests of eastern Brazil, known for its spectacular crest which is rarely displayed but reveals vivid red & orange plumage when fanned open. It is a medium-sized flycatcher with brownish upperparts & a distinctive elongated, hammer-shaped head profile. The species is typically found near streams & forest edges where it hunts insects with agile aerial sallies.
Humid Atlantic Forest in eastern Brazil, particularly along shaded stream banks & forest interiors at low to mid elevations, where dense vegetation & proximity to water provide ideal foraging & nesting conditions.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Atlantic Royal Flycatcher with us in Brazil & Costa Rica.
These departures are part of our Central America & South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning during the breeding season from September to January offers the best light & greatest activity, as birds are most vocal & likely to display their crests during courtship interactions.
Position yourself near streams or forest clearings where the bird regularly perches on low branches, allowing for closer approach & cleaner backgrounds. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze any movement, & be patient as the bird often returns to favoured perches. If fortunate enough to witness crest display behaviour, ensure your autofocus is locked on the head to capture the vivid plumage in sharp detail.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Atlantic Royal Flycatcher
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.