The black-chested tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in lowland tropical rainforest of northern South America, including parts of Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela. Prefers dense riverine thickets, seasonally flooded forest (várzea and igapó), and tangled understory near streams and forest edges. Often keeps within 1–5 m of the ground in vine tangles, Heliconia stands, and bamboo. It is local and scarce but can be regular where suitable understory structure persists.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is the sole member of its genus, making it a monotypic curiosity among tyrant flycatchers. It keeps to dense, shadowy undergrowth near streams and floodplain edges, where it can be surprisingly hard to see despite its bold black chest band. Sensitive to forest disturbance, it persists best in large tracts of intact lowland rainforest. Its thin, high-pitched calls often betray its presence before the bird is seen.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs maintaining small territories in dense understory. It forages quietly, occasionally accompanying mixed-species understory flocks. Breeding is in the wet season, and both adults participate in caring for the young. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation near water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of thin, high, squeaky notes and trills, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls may include sharp tsip or tsee notes repeated at intervals, carrying softly through the understory.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grayish wash on the head, whitish throat, and a conspicuous black chest band separating the throat from the yellowish underparts. Wings and tail darker with subtle edging; underparts below the band are buffy to yellow. Feathers appear neat and close-textured, aiding its sleek look in the understory.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Captures prey by short sallies from low perches and by gleaning from foliage and vine tangles. Occasionally hawks tiny flying insects in brief bursts. Foraging is methodical and close to cover.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory near streams, river margins, and in seasonally flooded forest with abundant vines and Heliconia. Often selects shaded patches with layered vegetation that provide both cover and foraging perches.
