Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant
NameSpot-billed Ground-Tyrant
Common NameSpot-billed Ground-Tyrant
Scientific NameMuscisaxicola maculirostris
FamilyTyrannidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsOverall drab grayish-brown plumage, paler on the underparts. It has a faint pale supercilium and darker wings and tail. The distinguishing 'spot-billed' feature is a subtle pale spot at the base of the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, its vocalizations include soft, high-pitched 'tsip' or 'tseet' calls. It may also produce a thin, high-pitched song.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes Mountains of South America, ranging from southern Peru through Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Some populations undertake altitudinal migrations, moving to lower elevations or further north during winter.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size (approx. 14 cm), Drab grayish-brown plumage, Pale spot at the base of the lower mandible, Faint pale supercilium, Terrestrial foraging behavior in open, rocky habitats
Description
The Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant is a small, drab passerine found in arid, open, rocky habitats of the Andes. It typically forages on the ground or from low perches, often flicking its tail as it searches for insects.
