Grey Monjita
Nengetus cinereus
Overview
The grey monjita (Nengetus cinereus) is a species of tyrant flycatcher found across parts of South America. It is the only member of the genus Nengetus, though it has a complicated taxonomic history involving previous assignments to Xolmis.
Identification
- Length of 21 to 25 cm with mouse-gray or dusky grayish upperparts and ashy gray breast.
- A wide white stripe runs from the lores above the eye, paired with a thin white moustache above a wider black stripe.
- Wings are black with wide white bases on the primaries, and the tail features wide white tips.
- Song is described as a "very high, soft weeh-tjuh-teeh" with a thin "weéh" call.
Habitat
Inhabits grassland and cerrado ecosystems across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay. It ranges from sea level to approximately 1,200 m in elevation and is often found near human structures, settlements, and in cities during migration.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects, foraging by perching on fences, wires, and bushes before dropping onto prey. It occasionally hunts by running on the ground or hawking insects in mid-air.
Did you know?
Shiny cowbirds are known to parasitise the nests of grey monjitas, although details regarding the incubation period and parental care remain unknown.