Greyish Mourner

Overview

The greyish mourner (Rhytipterna simplex) is a species of tyrant flycatcher native to mainland South America. It is a year-round resident found in a disjunct distribution across various countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, though it is absent from Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird measuring 19.5 to 20.5 cm in length.
• Grey plumage with a slight brown tinge on the wings and tail, and a grey head with a hint of a crest.
• Dark red to reddish-brown iris, a slightly hooked black bill often pink at the base, and black legs.
• Song consists of a rising series of sharp 'ih' notes ending in loud, explosive 'Itch' notes, or a slowly ascending series of clear, whistled 'whew' notes.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits the mid-story to upper story of humid terra firme forest and occasionally the transition zone between it and other forest types. Its range covers eastern Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northwestern Bolivia, southern and eastern Venezuela, the Guianas, and Amazonian Brazil.

Diet

Primarily feeds on large insects and also consumes some fruit. It forages singly or in pairs and regularly joins mixed-species feeding flocks, perching upright on exposed branches to sally and glean prey while briefly hovering.

Did you know?

The species was originally described as Muscicapa simplex, which mistakenly placed it with Old World flycatchers before it was transferred to its current genus. It shares the genus Rhytipterna with the pale-bellied and rufous mourners, with the latter two forming a superspecies.