Rufous-tailed Attila

Overview

The rufous-tailed attila (Attila phoenicurus) is a species of tyrant flycatcher found primarily in southern South America. It is a monotypic species that is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, despite a belief that its population is decreasing.

Identification

• Approximately 18 cm in length and weighing between 32 and 34.5 g.
• Dark grey crown, face, and nape contrasting with deep rufous upperparts and blackish primaries on the wings.
• Cinnamon-rufous underparts featuring a wide, indistinct band of deep rufous across the breast.
• Song consists of a short, quick series of four fluted 'fee-fee-fifi' notes, with the first three rising in pitch and the fourth falling off.

Habitat

Found in a wide swath from northwestern Brazil south to southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northern Argentina, with rare vagrant records in Venezuela and unconfirmed sightings in Bolivia. It inhabits the interior and edges of humid secondary forest, particularly areas dominated by Araucaria, as well as scrublands, reaching elevations up to 1,500 m.

Diet

The specific diet of the rufous-tailed attila has not been studied. However, it is known to feed at all levels of the forest, though apparently more often from the mid-story upwards.

Did you know?

Nothing is known about the breeding biology of this species. Its range is also notable for seasonal movement, as it breeds in northern Argentina and southeastern Brazil but moves northwesterly into eastern Paraguay and west-central Amazonian Brazil during the austral winter.