Stigmatura budytoides
The Greater Wagtail-Tyrant (Stigmatura budytoides) is a striking and active passerine, belonging to the diverse tyrant-flycatcher family (Tyrannidae), readily identified by its slender build and perpetually wagging tail. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm in length and weighing 10-14g, it sports a grayish-brown back, contrasting with vibrant yellow underparts. Distinctive field marks include a dark facial mask, a crisp white supercilium, and two prominent white wing-bars. While its common name ...
This species primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid environments, including Chaco woodlands, dry thorn scrub, caatinga, and gallery forest edges, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, its diet consists mainly of beetles, ants, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders, supplemented by other small invertebrates.
A highly active and diurnal bird, the Greater Wagtail-Tyrant is constantly on the move, known for its persistent tail-wagging. It employs an energetic foraging strategy, gleaning insects and small arthropods from foliage, twigs, and bark, often with short, agile aerial sallies. Tail-wagging is be...
The Greater Wagtail-Tyrant is a resident species distributed across several arid and semi-arid regions of South America, with distinct subspecies occupying different ranges. The nominate subspecies, *S. b. budytoides*, is found in west-central Argentina, from Catamarca south to Mendoza. *S. b. gr...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the Greater Wagtail-Tyrant is not related to the Old World wagtails (Motacillidae); its tail-wagging is a fascinating example of convergent evolution. - Its genus name, Stigmatura, is derived from Greek words meaning 'marked tail,' a direct reference to its most distinc...