Cattle Tyrant Bird Facts (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.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant can be found in Farmland habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant can be found in Grassland habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

The Cattle Tyrant is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

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

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Argentina Bolivia Brazil Colombia Ecuador Panama Paraguay Uruguay Venezuela

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

Aruba

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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