Gubernetes yetapa
The Streamer-tailed Tyrant (*Gubernetes yetapa*) is a truly distinctive and elegant member of the Tyrannidae family, instantly recognizable by its extraordinarily long, deeply forked tail streamers, especially prominent in males. This large flycatcher measures between 38-41 cm (15-16 inches) in length, with the tail contributing significantly to this dimension. Its plumage is a striking combination of dark gray upperparts, contrasting with clean white underparts and a prominent whitish superc...
This species primarily inhabits open grasslands, savannas, and marshy areas, often near water bodies or with scattered trees and shrubs. It is typically found at low to moderate elevations.
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of large insects like grasshoppers, beetles, flies, and dragonflies, caught primarily through aerial hawking.
The Streamer-tailed Tyrant is a diurnal insectivore, characterized by its perch-and-pounce foraging strategy; it typically sits on exposed branches or reeds, making agile aerial sallies to snatch insects in flight or gleaning them from vegetation. Males are highly territorial during the breeding ...
The Streamer-tailed Tyrant is endemic to southeastern South America, with its primary range spanning southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, northeastern Argentina, and Uruguay. In Brazil, its distribution extends from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo south through São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina...
Least Concern
- The genus name *Gubernetes* derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "steersman" or "pilot," a fitting description for its agile, commanding flight. - Its species epithet, *yetapa*, comes from the Guaraní language, signifying its deep roots in the indigenous culture of its South American range. - Th...