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Cattle Tyrant

Machetornis rixosa

The feisty little flycatcher has earned its name by boldly perching on the backs of cattle and other livestock, snatching up insects stirred up by the grazing animals.
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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

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Cattle Tyrant can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Cattle Tyrant can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 82

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 35

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 88

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 65

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 70

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

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

50,000,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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:

Tyrannidae

Predators

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?

  1. Cattle Tyrants have a symbiotic relationship with livestock, using them as mobile perches and insect-flushing aids.
  2. Despite their name, they are not true tyrant flycatchers but belong to a separate genus within the Tyrannidae family.
  3. These birds have been observed engaging in a behaviour called 'anting,' where they rub ants on their feathers, possibly for pest control.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2021. Machetornis rixosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22700321A137976958.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2019: Partners in Flight

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