Machetornis rixosa
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.
Length
19cm to 21cm
Wingspan
33cm to 35cm
Weight
40g to 50g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Yellow
Secondary Colour
White Grey
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
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:
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