Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant

Overview

The slaty-backed chat-tyrant, also known as the chestnut-bellied chat-tyrant (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris), is a small bird species in the tyrant flycatcher family. It is distributed across the Andes of South America, from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and into northern Peru.

Identification

• Size: 12 to 13 cm in length, weighing 11 to 13 g.
• Plumage: Dark slaty grey to blackish upperparts and tail, with a white supercilium on the head; deep dark chestnut or reddish brown breast and belly; dark grey flanks; buffy white vent.
• Bill and Legs: Short, thin, black bill; blackish to dark dusky grey legs and feet; dark brown or blackish iris.
• Vocalisation: A high-pitched, sharp, and surprisingly loud 'dzweeéyeeuw', often tirelessly repeated; dawn songs add 3–4 'tseét' notes.

Habitat

Found in the Andes of western Venezuela, all three ranges of Colombia, the western and eastern slopes of Ecuador, and northern Peru up to the Marañón River. It primarily inhabits humid montane forest and woodlands in upper subtropical and temperate zones, almost exclusively in dense vegetation along streams or in wet, shady ravines between 1,500 and 3,300 m elevation.

Diet

The diet is not fully known but is believed to consist mostly or entirely of small insects. It typically forages in pairs or singly, perching on low branches or vines along watercourses to make aerial sallies for prey or to glean from vegetation, frequently returning to the same perch.

Did you know?

Despite the simplicity of its vocalisation, the bird's loud song is perfectly audible above the rushing torrents where it is usually found. Its nest can be situated in remarkably specific locations, such as behind a waterfall.