The Amazonian black-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is particularly native to riverbanks of the Amazon Rainforest.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs along major Amazonian waterways, favoring riverbanks, islands, and sandbars with early-successional scrub and cane thickets. Common in seasonally flooded várzea, willow- and Cecropia-dominated growth, and edges of oxbow lakes. Often perches conspicuously on open shrubs or driftwood near open water. Found in lowland Amazonia of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, locally where suitable riverine habitat persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Amazonian black-tyrant is a small flycatcher that favors dynamic river-edge habitats, especially river islands and young, regenerating scrub. Males are glossy black with conspicuous white in the outer tail, often flashing it during short sallies for insects. This species depends on the natural cycle of flooding and sediment deposition that constantly renews riverside vegetation in the Amazon Basin.
A female Amazonian black tyrant in Anavilhanas National Park, Novo Airão, Amazonas, Brazil
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, defending small river-edge territories. Pairs nest low in shrubs or cane near water, building a small cup nest. Likely monogamous within a breeding season and remains close to favored perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched tsip and tseee notes, given from exposed perches. Males may deliver short, simple trills or buzzy phrases during territory advertisement.
