Casiornis rufus
The Rufous Casiornis (Casiornis rufus) is a captivating medium-sized tyrant flycatcher, measuring approximately 18-19 cm (7-7.5 inches) in length and weighing between 20-30 grams. Its most distinctive feature is its rich, uniform rufous to cinnamon-brown plumage across its body, contrasting subtly with a slightly greyer wash often present on the head and nape. A prominent pale (often whitish or buffy) eye-ring serves as a key identification mark. The bill is relatively stout, broad at the bas...
Inhabits dry, open woodlands, scrublands, cerrado, and caatinga, often favoring gallery forests and riparian zones, typically found below 1,000 meters elevation.
Feeds primarily on a variety of flying insects and other invertebrates, captured through aerial sallies. Supplements its diet occasionally with small fruits.
A diurnal species, the Rufous Casiornis is often observed perching quietly and conspicuously on exposed branches, maintaining an upright posture. Its primary foraging strategy is classic sallying: it waits patiently for passing insects, then darts out to snatch them in mid-air or glean them from ...
The Rufous Casiornis is widely distributed across central and southern South America, with its core range extending from eastern Bolivia and central Brazil south through Paraguay and into northern Argentina. Within Argentina, its distribution reaches as far south as Tucumán, Santa Fe, and Corrien...
Least Concern
- Despite being a flycatcher, it's often described as one of the more sedentary members of its family, frequently perching still for extended periods. - Its bright rufous coloration makes it one of the most distinctive and easily identifiable tyrant flycatchers across its range. - The genus name ...