Variegated Flycatcher

The variegated flycatcher (Empidonomus varius) is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found on Trinidad and in every mainland South American country except Chile. In addition it has been documented as a vagrant in several U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario. == Taxonomy == The variegated flycatcher was formally described in 1818 as Muscicapa varia by the French ornithologist Louis Vieillot. He based his account on "Del Chorreado debaxo" from Paraguay that had been described in 1805 by the Spanish naturalist Félix de Azara. The variegated flycatcher is now placed together with the crowned slaty flycatcher in the genus Empidonomus that was introduced in 1860 by the German ornithologists Jean Cabanis and Ferdinand Heine. Two subspecies are recognised: E. v. varius (Vieillot, LJP, 1818) – southeastern Brazil to Paraguay, Uruguay, northern Argentina, eastern Peru, and eastern Bolivia E. v. rufinus (Spix, JB, 1825) – eastern Venezuela to the Guianas, and northern and western Amazonian Brazil == Description == The variegated flycatcher is 18 to 19 cm (7.1 to 7.5 in) long and weighs about 25 g (0.88 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a…