Black-backed Water Tyrant

Overview

The black-backed water tyrant (Fluvicola albiventer) is a medium-sized flycatcher belonging to the family Tyrannidae. It is native to South America, found in countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, and is currently assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Size: Medium-sized, 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in) long.
• Plumage: Adults are mostly white with black hindcrown, nape, back, wings, and tail; the rump features a thin white band, and the wings have two thin white bars.
• Underparts: Entirely white.
• Bill and Legs: Black bill and black legs and feet with a dark iris.
• Voice: Call is described as a "high, dry, very short wic".

Habitat

This species inhabits marshes and shrubby areas bordering watercourses and oxbow lakes, ranging in elevation from sea level to approximately 1,000 m. Its range extends along eastern Peru, south through eastern Bolivia, western Paraguay, and western Uruguay to Argentina as far south as Buenos Aires Province, with a presence in specific regions of Brazil.

Diet

The black-backed water tyrant feeds primarily on insects, usually foraging near or on the ground as well as on floating and emergent vegetation. It characteristically cocks and fans its tail while foraging.

Did you know?

Males perform an aerial courtship display to attract mates. Although the species builds a ball-shaped nest near the ground or low over water, these nests are known to be parasitised by the shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis).