Species Profile
Cattle Tyrant
Machetornis rixosa
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLength
19–21 cm
Weight
40–50 g
Wingspan
33–35 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Cattle Tyrant Flycatcher
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
Elevation
Up to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- 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.
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
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.
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