The Bahia wagtail-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to eastern Brazil.
Region
Eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in coastal and near-coastal regions of Bahia and adjacent states, inhabiting low scrub, restinga (coastal sand-plain vegetation), and patches of caatinga. It prefers open, brushy mosaics with scattered shrubs and small trees, including dune scrub and secondary growth. Birds are often found along edges, clearings, and sandy substrates with dense shrub cover. It tolerates some habitat disturbance, provided dense low cover remains. In drier seasons it may concentrate near watercourses or moister thickets.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, lively tyrant flycatcher, the Bahia wagtail-tyrant constantly cocks and wags its long tail as it moves through low, scrubby vegetation. It is endemic to eastern Brazil, where it favors restinga and caatinga habitats near the coast and in dry interiors. It has at times been treated as separate from or allied with the Greater Wagtail-Tyrant, but differs in voice and subtle plumage traits. Though often skulking, it can be conspicuous when singing from exposed perches.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining small territories year-round. Pairs communicate with sharp calls and display frequent tail-wagging. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs, with both sexes participating in nest defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, bright series of chips and thin whistles delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tchik notes and quick rattles, often given while tail-wagging. Vocalizations carry well across scrubby habitats.
Plumage
Olive-brown to gray-olive upperparts with a pale whitish throat and pale yellowish to buff underparts. Long tail often held cocked, showing contrasting dark central feathers with white outer edges when fanned. Subtle pale wing edgings and a clean, lightly washed breast are typical.
Diet
Primarily captures small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, flies, and spiders. Forages by sallying from low perches to snatch prey in the air or by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally takes prey from the ground or low vegetation, making short dashes between shrubs. Fruit is taken rarely, if at all, and plays a minimal role in its diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense, low scrub and restinga thickets, especially along edges and open patches that provide perches and foraging lanes. Often works the mid- to lower strata of shrubs and small trees, moving quickly with frequent tail flicks.
