Cattle Tyrant

The Cattle Tyrant, Machetornis rixosa, is a unique bird species belonging to the tyrant-flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. It stands alone in its genus, Machetornis, named by George Robert Gray, which translates from Ancient Greek to 'fighter bird', a nod to its combative nature. The species' Latin name, rixosa, means 'quarrelsome', further highlighting its feisty disposition.

Identification Tips

This highly terrestrial bird measures approximately 20 cm in length and weighs between 29 and 40 grams. Its plumage is predominantly olive-brown above with a yellow underside. The head is a distinguished grey, accented with a thin eyestripe and a white throat. Both the slender bill and legs are a stark black. Variations exist among subspecies, particularly with some exhibiting a yellow throat.

Habitat

The Cattle Tyrant favors drier, open, and semi-open landscapes, steering clear of forested regions. It thrives in savannahs, pastures, parklands, agricultural areas, and even urban gardens.

Distribution

The species boasts a disjunct distribution. The nominate race is found breeding from northern Argentina and Bolivia to the northeastern tip of Brazil. Other subspecies range from Panama to Venezuela and eastern Ecuador. Recent deforestation has led to an expansion of its range, including areas like northeast Ecuador where it was previously absent.

Behaviour

Cattle Tyrants are insectivorous, primarily foraging on the ground. They often accompany cattle or other large animals, seizing insects flushed by their movement or occasionally hitching a ride on these animals to catch prey mid-flight. They have been observed engaging in a form of cleaning symbiosis, albeit infrequently, by removing ticks from mammals and hunting horseflies around capybaras.

Breeding

These birds either construct bulky nests or commandeer those of rufous-fronted thornbirds. They lay 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for about 14 days. The fledglings take their first flight approximately 15 days post-hatching.

Conservation status

The Cattle Tyrant is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.