Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant

Overview

The shear-tailed grey tyrant (Muscipipra vetula) is a species of tyrant flycatcher found in parts of South America. It is the sole member of its genus and is assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Measures 20 to 22.5 cm in length, featuring a long, slender, and deeply notched tail.
• Dull dark grey head and upperparts with dusky ear coverts forming a mask, paired with a white chin and throat.
• Dusky bill and legs, with blackish irises.
• Calls consist of a 'pup-pup-pup' or a disyllabic whistle described as 'jew-bewt' or 'low duh-djúp'.

Habitat

Found in eastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, specifically from southern Bahia and central Minas Gerais south into Misiones and Corrientes provinces. It primarily inhabits the edges of humid forest and secondary woodland, occasionally using adjacent clearings and grasslands. The species typically ranges in elevation between 1,000 and 2,200 m.

Diet

Feeds on insects, typically foraging in pairs, though groups of up to six birds are known. It perches on high exposed branches near the forest canopy to catch prey in mid-air with sallies, occasionally hunting lower or on the ground.

Did you know?

The species was formally described in 1823 as Muscicapa vetula, erroneously placing it in the Old World flycatcher family before being reclassified. Its breeding status remains debated, with conflicting data regarding whether it is a full migrant that abandons its breeding range or a year-round resident.