The ash-throated casiornis is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Northeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Caatinga and adjacent dry and deciduous woodlands, as well as restinga scrub along parts of the eastern coast. Prefers semi-open habitats with scattered trees, thorn scrub, and forest edges. It uses secondary growth and riparian thickets where perches are available for flycatching. The species is most frequently encountered in lowlands but also moves into slightly higher interior plateaus where dry woodland persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A plain-looking tyrant flycatcher of Brazil’s dry forests, it is identified by its ashy-gray throat and subdued brownish upperparts with a hint of rufous in the tail and wings. It often hunts from exposed perches, sallying out to catch insects before returning to the same spot. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and edge woodland, which helps it persist in fragmented landscapes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dry woodland. Breeding pairs build a shallow cup nest placed in a fork or sheltered branch. Both sexes likely participate in nest defense and provisioning of young. Clutches are small, and nesting occurs during the local wet season when insect availability rises.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of simple, clear whistled phrases delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include dry chips and thin, high notes, often given during territorial interactions.
