Neoxolmis rubetra
The Rusty-backed Monjita (Neoxolmis rubetra) is a captivating South American tyrant flycatcher, notable for its striking rufous plumage and terrestrial habits. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing around 40-60 grams, its most distinctive feature is the rich rusty-cinnamon back, contrasting sharply with its pure white underparts. Key field marks include a prominent black mask extending through the eye, accentuated by a bright white supercilium that often appears...
This species primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands, shrublands, steppe, and open rocky areas, often with scattered low vegetation. It is found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 3,500 meters in the Andes foothills.
Primarily insectivorous, their diet consists mainly of grasshoppers, beetles, ants, flies, and other invertebrates. They forage by gleaning from the ground, running after prey, or making short aerial sallies.
Rusty-backed Monjitas are diurnal and exhibit a fascinating blend of terrestrial and aerial foraging strategies. They spend significant time on the ground, walking or running in an upright posture, actively pursuing insect prey. From low perches, such as shrubs, fence posts, or prominent rocks, t...
The Rusty-backed Monjita is endemic to the Southern Cone of South America, with its primary distribution across Argentina, Chile, and extending into Uruguay. In Argentina, it breeds widely across the Patagonian steppe and Andean foothills, from southern Mendoza south to Tierra del Fuego. In Chile...
Least Concern
- The Rusty-backed Monjita is one of the most terrestrial flycatchers, often preferring to walk and run on the ground rather than perch high in trees. - Its common name 'monjita' translates to 'little nun' in Spanish, typically referring to birds with black-and-white plumage, making the rusty col...