Streak-throated Bush Tyrant

Myiotheretes striaticollis

The Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, Myiotheretes striaticollis, is a striking suboscine passerine endemic to the high-altitude Andes of South America, belonging to the Tyrannidae family-the diverse New World flycatchers. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing 35-45 grams, this robust bird is characterized by its dusky-brown upperparts, a prominent rufous-brown panel on the wings, and dull whitish underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its common name...

Habitat

Resident in high-altitude montane scrub, bushy slopes, open woodlands, and forest edges, often near rocky outcrops and ravines in the Andes, typically found between 2,000 and 4,000+ meters (6,500-13,000+ feet) elevation.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods including flies, beetles, moths, and other small insects, caught through aerial hawking or sally-gleaning.

Behavior

The Streak-throated Bush Tyrant is a diurnal and often conspicuous bird, frequently perching on exposed branches, prominent bushes, or rocky outcrops, acting as an aerial sentinel. From these vantage points, it employs a classic sally-gleaning or aerial hawking foraging strategy, darting out to s...

Range

The Streak-throated Bush Tyrant is a resident species found exclusively within the Andean mountain ranges of South America. Its distribution extends from the Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia, south through the highlands of Ecuador and Peru, and continuing into the Andes of Bolivia, reaching ...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The genus name 'Myiotheretes' is derived from Greek, meaning 'fly-hunter,' aptly describing its foraging style. - It is one of only four species globally in the unique 'Bush-Tyrant' genus, all confined to the high Andes. - Unlike many shy forest birds, this species often perches openly on promi...

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