Machetornis rixosa
The Cattle Tyrant, *Machetornis rixosa*, is a distinctive and often conspicuous flycatcher of open, grassy South American landscapes. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 inches) in length and weighing 30-40 grams, its striking plumage features bright yellow underparts, a brownish-olive back, a contrasting gray head, and a prominent black mask extending from the bill through the eye. Its black tail often displays white outer rectrices, and a vibrant, often concealed, orange-red crown pat...
The Cattle Tyrant primarily inhabits open grasslands, savannas, pastures, and agricultural areas, often in close proximity to grazing livestock. It is typically found at low to moderate elevations, generally below 1,500 meters.
The Cattle Tyrant's diet consists almost exclusively of insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. It primarily forages by gleaning prey from the ground or from the bodies of large mammals, and by making short aerial sallies.
Diurnal and often bold, the Cattle Tyrant spends a significant portion of its day foraging on the ground or from low perches. Its most characteristic foraging strategy involves walking or running with a distinctive bounding gait, often alongside or directly on the backs of cattle, horses, or capy...
The Cattle Tyrant boasts a wide and largely continuous distribution across much of South America, extending northward into Central America. Its breeding and year-round range spans from eastern Panama, through Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and...
Least Concern
- The Cattle Tyrant is the only species in its genus, *Machetornis*, making it a unique evolutionary branch among New World flycatchers. - It's often called the "flycatcher on stilts" due to its relatively long legs, which are adapted for terrestrial foraging. - Its bright orange-red crown patch ...