White-headed Marsh Tyrant
NameWhite-headed Marsh Tyrant
Common NameWhite-headed Marsh Tyrant
Scientific NameArundinicola leucocephala
FamilyTyrannidae
Wingspan (cm)14
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a pure white head and underparts, sharply contrasting with glossy black upperparts, wings, and tail. Females and immatures have a dusky crown, white throat, and brownish-grey upperparts, with a paler belly.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a high-pitched, thin 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or a soft, buzzy 'dzzt'. They also produce a rapid, chattering song.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound widely across South America, from Colombia and Venezuela south through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. Also occurs on Trinidad.
Identifying Featurespure white head (male), glossy black body (male), small size, perches on emergent vegetation, yellowish lower mandible
Description
The White-headed Marsh Tyrant is a small, striking flycatcher found in wetlands across South America. Males are easily identified by their contrasting white head and black body, while females and immatures are duller. They typically perch on emergent vegetation, sallying out to catch insects.
