Lessonia rufa
The Austral Negrito, *Lessonia rufa*, is a striking member of the tyrant flycatcher family (Tyrannidae), renowned for its stark sexual dimorphism and ground-level activity. Males are predominantly glossy black, contrasting sharply with a bright rufous lower back, rump, and flanks, a flash of color often revealed in flight, making it unmistakable. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length and weighing 10-15 grams, their slender build and active demeanor are characteristic. Fe...
This species favors open, often wet habitats, including marshy grasslands, bogs, wet meadows, and the borders of lagoons or slow-moving streams, typically found at sea level up to 3,500 meters in the Andes.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small insects and other invertebrates caught through aerial flycatching or gleaning from the ground or low vegetation.
Austral Negritos are diurnal and highly active, often perching conspicuously on low vegetation, fence posts, or rocks before making short, agile flights to catch prey or investigate their surroundings. Their foraging strategy involves both aerial flycatching, sallying out to snatch insects in mid...
The Austral Negrito has a wide distribution across southern South America. Its breeding range extends from central Chile and Argentina south through Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego, and also includes the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). During the austral winter (April-September), southern popula...
Least Concern
- The male Austral Negrito's vibrant rufous rump is often called a "flashing signal" as it's prominently displayed during flight or territorial displays. - Unlike many tyrant flycatchers that build nests in trees or shrubs, the Austral Negrito is a ground-nester, skillfully concealing its cup-sha...