Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare Scientific name definitions

The Northern Bentbill is small flycatcher with drab, nondescript plumage. This tyrannid nonetheless has some distinctive features, the most notable of which is the short, broad, and distinctly downcurved ("bent") bill. This species also has a pale iris, and a harsh, frog-like call. The Northern Bentbill forages for insects and other invertebrates in the under- and midstory of thickets, at forest edge, and in relatively open forest. The nest a globular structure with a side entrance, and usually is placed low near the ground.

9·5–10·5 cm; 4·5–7 g. Distinctive bill with significant downward curve. Has grey crown contrasting strongly with olive upperparts; wings dusky with lemon-yellow edgings; face, throat and breast pale grey, streaked olive, lower underparts and crissum washed pale lemon-yellow, flanks tinged olive; iris pale yellow; bill grey, pinkish base; legs pinkish. Differs from O. olivaceum most clearly in having ground colour of throat and breast greyish-white, as opposed to yellowish-white. Sexes alike. Juvenile has olive crown, narrow buffy wingbars and buffy edges of remiges, dusky bill.

S Mexico (S Veracruz, N Oaxaca) S to W Panama (Caribbean slope E to W Colón and Pacific slope in W Chiriquí); probable specimen record from NW Colombia (NW Antioquia).