Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris
The Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris) is a striking member of the Tyrannidae family, renowned for its distinctive plumage and active presence in Andean cloud forests. Measuring approximately 11-12.5 cm (4.3-4.9 inches) in length and weighing around 12-14 grams, this small flycatcher captivates with its slate-gray upperparts, contrasting sharply with a vibrant rufous or cinnamon belly and undertail coverts. A prominent white supercilium, often extending behind the eye, act...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, and their borders, often favoring areas near rushing streams and ravines at elevations typically between 1,500 to 3,000 meters (4,900-9,800 feet).
Primarily insectivorous, the Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant feeds on a variety of small flying insects, which it captures by sallying from an exposed perch.
The Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant is a diurnal and highly active species, often seen perched conspicuously on exposed branches, mossy rocks, or roots overlooking the forest understory or stream edges. It employs a classic flycatcher foraging strategy, sallying out from its perch to snatch flying insec...
The Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant is found across a significant portion of the Andes Mountains in South America, spanning Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its distribution is generally continuous within suitable habitat, primarily on the humid eastern and western slopes of the Andes, often foll...
Least Concern
- The Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant's striking cinnamon belly contrasting with its dark back makes it instantly recognizable, earning it its evocative common name. - Despite "chat" in its name, it belongs to the Tyrannidae family (tyrant flycatchers), not the true chats (Old World flycatchers, Muscica...