Ochthoeca leucophrys
The White-browed Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca leucophrys) is a captivating small passerine, typically measuring 13-15 cm in length and weighing around 12-16 grams, making it a petite yet striking member of the Andean avifauna. This active flycatcher is instantly recognizable by its prominent white supercilium, which creates a sharp contrast against a dark loral stripe and its greyish-brown crown and upperparts. Its underparts are generally a pale grey to off-white, often with a faint yellowish wash...
This species primarily inhabits arid to semi-humid montane scrub, open woodlands, rocky slopes with scattered bushes, and agricultural borders at high elevations. It is typically found between 2,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level.
Predominantly insectivorous, the White-browed Chat-Tyrant primarily feeds on small flying insects and other arthropods. It captures prey through aerial sallies from an exposed perch or by gleaning from vegetation and the ground.
The White-browed Chat-Tyrant is a highly active and diurnal bird, often seen perched conspicuously on exposed branches, rocks, or fence posts, constantly flicking its tail up and down. Its primary foraging strategy involves sallying, where it darts out from a perch to snatch flying insects in mid...
The White-browed Chat-Tyrant boasts an extensive distribution along the Andes mountains of South America, stretching from southern Colombia through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, and continuing south into central and northwestern Argentina and northern Chile. Its breeding range largely overlaps with...
Least Concern
- Its common name, "Chat-Tyrant," reflects its thrush-like (chat-like) foraging behavior combined with its flycatcher (tyrant) lineage. - The prominent white supercilium, or "eyebrow," is the inspiration for its scientific epithet *leucophrys*, derived from Greek 'leukos' (white) and 'ophrys' (ey...