SPATIAL-DISTRIBUTION AND FORAGING TACTICS OF TYRANT FLYCATCHERS IN 2 HABITATS IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON

The foraging mode and vertical distribution of tyrant flycatchers of t welve sympatric species (Tyrannidae) were compared between forest edge and savanna in the Brazilian Amazon. Five species can be regarded as aerial salliers or hawkers, foul as gleaners, and three as generalist hunters. Their patterns of foraging behavior were significantly differ ent among the species but not in the two habitats. Perch positions cha nged significantly according to the rime of day. Generally the tallest trees in a given plot were chosen, with the larger bird species perch ing more often at the top of the trees. Factors that affect the struct ure and behavior of this flycatcher guild are discussed.