Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant

Overview

The Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant (Uromyias agraphia) is a species of tyrant flycatcher endemic to Peru. It is a small bird that belongs to the subfamily Elaeniinae and is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• A small bird measuring 12 to 13 cm in length and weighing about 10 g, with a flattish black crest and a long tail.
• Upperparts are gray-brown with wide but very faint darker streaks, and the throat and breast feature a gray-brown scaled appearance.
• Features a gray supercilium with white mottling, a thin black stripe through the eye, and dark slate legs.
• Song is described as a high, sputtering trill: 'tiii'reeeeeeee', accompanied by high 'ti' and 'tsee' notes.

Habitat

This species inhabits humid montane and elfin forest on the eastern slope of the Andes in Peru, strongly favouring stands of Chusquea bamboo and forest openings. It is found at elevations between 2,600 and 3,450 m, with a preference for areas near the treeline.

Diet

The Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant feeds on insects, foraging actively in pairs or small groups, often as part of mixed-species flocks. It primarily uses short upward jumps or flights to glean insects from foliage and twigs, occasionally gleaning while perched.

Did you know?

The bird's throat and breast display a distinctive gray-brown scaled appearance, which contrasts with the unmarked light gray and pale yellow wash found on its flanks, belly, and undertail coverts.