White-rumped Sirystes

Overview

The white-rumped sirystes (Sirystes albocinereus) is a species of tyrant flycatcher found across parts of South America. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing despite a large range.

Identification

• Length of 18 to 19 cm with a weight of 24 to 32 g.
• Distinctive plumage featuring a black crown with a slight crest, slate gray face, and a large white rump patch.
• Wings are blackish with pale gray coverts and white-edged inner flight feathers, paired with a long, square-tipped blackish tail.
• Song consists of mellow whistles such as "p'weer PEW-pu" or chattering "wheer-pi'pi'pi'pi'pi'pi'."

Habitat

Found from southwestern Venezuela through the Eastern Andes of Colombia and eastern Ecuador, extending to eastern Peru, far western Brazil, and northern Bolivia. It primarily inhabits the canopy and edges of humid várzea forest, riparian forest, and transitions to other forest types, reaching elevations of up to 700 m.

Diet

The diet is thought to consist primarily of large arthropods. The bird typically forages singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species feeding flocks, and takes prey from twigs by briefly hovering after a sally.

Did you know?

The only known nest was located in a natural cavity in a tree approximately 32 m (105 ft) above the ground.