Short-tailed Field Tyrant

Overview

The short-tailed field tyrant, Muscigralla brevicauda, is a small tyrant flycatcher and the sole species in its genus. Assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is considered fairly common and stable across its range in South America.

Identification

• Measures 11 to 12 cm in length with a very short tail and notably long legs.
• Displays brownish gray upperparts with rufous chestnut lower rump and two pale wing bars, contrasting with whitish underparts.
• Features a short white patch above the lores and a mostly hidden yellow patch on the crown, with sexes sharing identical plumage.
• Song includes weak, sibilant 'tizztízzz' sounds, dry metallic 'tik' notes, or rising-falling trills.

Habitat

Found in west-central Ecuador, throughout Peru, and as a vagrant to Chile and Colombia. It primarily inhabits open landscapes such as arid scrublands, pastures, and agricultural areas, ranging from sea level to 1,500 m in elevation.

Diet

Feeds on insects, typically foraging singly or in pairs almost entirely on the ground. It stands and walks upright while flicking its wings and tail, capturing prey by taking it from the ground or leaping into short flutters to catch it mid-air.

Did you know?

This species is the only member of its genus, Muscigralla, and has no subspecies. It is also known to be a host for the shiny cowbird, which has been reported parasitising its nest.