The Dramatic Head Tilt Of A Male Royal Flycatcher

April 27, 2018

Stefano Ianiro, a wildlife conservation photographer and bird bander in Montreal, filmed a beautiful male Royal Flycatcher.

The most notable feature of the Royal Flycatcher is its long ornate crest. Though it is rare to see the crest erected in a free flying Royal Flycatcher, these birds are well known for fanning the crest when held in the hand, while rhythmicaly swaying the head from side to side.

"What I've noticed is that males perform a much more dramatic head tilt," Ianiro said. "Hope you guys enjoy!"

I told everyone a few weeks ago that I'd try to show them the male Royal Flycatcher. Well look what we banded today! Right after banding a beautiful Squirrel Cuckoo we were lucky enough to band this Flycatcher. The male differs from the female by it's bright red crest (the female sports a yellow one). What I've noticed is that males perform a much more dramatic head tilt. Hope you guys enjoy! @birdsoftoucanridge

A post shared by Stefano Ianiro (@stefanoianirophotography) on Apr 26, 2018 at 7:50am PDT