Cattle Tyrant
Machetornis rixosa
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Cattle Tyrant is a small flycatcher with distinctive colouring. Its upper parts are pale olive-brown to sandy brown, while the underparts are bright yellow. The head is brownish-grey with a concealed scarlet-orange crown patch and a thin dark stripe through the eye. The throat is whitish, and the bill is thin and black.
Males and females look very similar, though females may show a buffier throat and chest, and some may lack the orange crown patch. Juvenile appearances aren't well documented in current research.
Size
Length
19cm to 21cm
Wingspan
33cm to 35cm
Weight
40g to 50g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Yellow
Secondary Colour
White Grey
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Cattle Tyrants are native to South America, found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. They inhabit open grasslands, savannahs, and agricultural areas, particularly where livestock are present.
These birds are non-migratory and maintain a year-round presence in their range. They have adapted well to human-modified landscapes, often seen in pastures and on the edges of urban areas.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Cattle Tyrant. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Cattle Tyrant displays remarkable agility through its quick, darting flights and nimble ground movements whilst chasing insects. Their ability to swiftly manoeuvre both in flight and whilst running on the ground demonstrates excellent coordination and reflexes.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small flycatcher weighing only 40-50g, the Cattle Tyrant possesses modest strength. Whilst capable of catching insects and small prey, their physical power is limited compared to larger birds, though sufficient for their lifestyle.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species that has successfully colonised human-modified landscapes. Their ability to exploit livestock for hunting opportunities, thrive in various habitats from grasslands to urban edges, and adjust to agricultural changes shows remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not overtly aggressive to larger animals, Cattle Tyrants display bold behaviour in their foraging style and aren't shy about approaching large livestock. They likely defend their territories and nests with moderate aggression during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their active foraging style, involving frequent short flights and ground running throughout the day, indicates good endurance. As non-migratory birds that maintain constant activity in tropical and subtropical climates, they demonstrate solid stamina for their size.
Diet
Cattle Tyrants primarily feed on insects, including flies, grasshoppers, and beetles. They often catch prey disturbed by grazing livestock, snatching insects from the air or plucking them from the ground.
This bird's diet may also include small reptiles and amphibians when available.
Behaviour
Cattle Tyrants are known for their close association with livestock, often perching on the backs of cattle or following them closely. They exhibit a bold and active foraging style, frequently running on the ground to catch insects disturbed by grazing animals.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, rarely forming large flocks.
Vocalisation
The Cattle Tyrant has a distinctive vocalisation, characterised by a sharp, repetitive 'kip-kip-kip' or 'tzip-tzip-tzip' call. This sound is often heard as the bird perches or during short flights.
They may also produce a softer, chattering sound when interacting with other birds or potential threats.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Cattle Tyrants typically occurs during the spring and summer months. Pairs form monogamous bonds and work together to build their nests.
Nests are usually constructed in trees or shrubs, often near grazing areas. They are cup-shaped structures made of grass, twigs, and other plant materials. Females typically lay 3-4 eggs, which are white or cream-coloured with brown spots.
Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 14-16 days. After hatching, the nestlings are cared for by both parents and fledge after approximately 14-16 days.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Cattle Tyrant is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is stable and may even be expanding due to deforestation and the spread of cattle ranching in South America.
However, sustainable land management practices are crucial for maintaining their habitat in the long term.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Cattle Tyrants in open grasslands and pastures with grazing livestock
- Observe their distinctive behaviour of perching on cattle or running on the ground
- Listen for their sharp, repetitive calls, which can help locate them in open areas
- Watch for their quick, darting flights as they chase insects
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Cattle Tyrant Flycatcher
Family:
TyrannidaePredators
Main predators of Cattle Tyrants include hawks, falcons, and larger carnivorous mammals. Nest predators such as snakes and opossums may also pose a threat to eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Cattle Tyrants have a symbiotic relationship with livestock, using them as mobile perches and insect-flushing aids.
- Despite their name, they are not true tyrant flycatchers but belong to a separate genus within the Tyrannidae family.
- These birds have been observed engaging in a behaviour called 'anting,' where they rub ants on their feathers, possibly for pest control.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Machetornis rixosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22700321A137976958.
View source - 2 3
report, 2019: Partners in Flight
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