Cattle Tyrant (Machetornis rixosus)
Cattle Tyrant, Brazil, Sept 2000 - click for larger image Brazil

This flycatcher has several features which distinguish it from others such as the Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) - it is normally seen on the ground, it has long legs consistent with this terrestrial behaviour and it has an erect stance. Other features are the dark stripe through the reddish eye, the grey head and the pale tip to the tail. The male has an orange crest which is usually concealed.

Cattle Tyrant, Brazil, Sept 2000 - click for larger image It feeds on insects often those disturbed by grazing animals such as cattle or capybara and sometimes hitches a lift on the back of these animals to use as a base for hunting its insect prey.

The last 3 photos show a pair displaying and duetting in the spring. There was much hopping between different wires, puffing out of breast feathers and lots of loud singing. A joy to watch.

Cattle Tyrant, Aguas de São Pedro, São Paulo, Brazil, August 2004 - click for larger image There are illustrations in Hilty & Brown, Plate 39; and Ridgely & Tudor, Volume 2, Plate 41.
Cattle Tyrant, Aguas de São Pedro, São Paulo, Brazil, August 2004 - click for larger image
Cattle Tyrant, Aguas de São Pedro, São Paulo, Brazil, August 2004 - click for larger image
Cattle Tyrant, Aguas de São Pedro, São Paulo, Brazil, August 2004 - click for larger image
Cattle TyranPantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil, December 2006 - click for larger image
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