The black-fronted ground tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Peru through western Bolivia into northern Chile and northwestern to southern Argentina. Breeds in open, windswept puna and high Andean grasslands with scattered rocks and cushion plants. In the non-breeding season it can descend to intermontane valleys, arid steppe, and open scrub. It favors sparsely vegetated slopes, bofedales (high Andean bogs), and agricultural edges at high elevations.
Altitude Range
2500–5000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A high-Andean member of the tyrant flycatchers, it forages mostly on the ground, darting out to snatch insects from short vegetation or rocky flats. It often perches on stones or fence posts, bobbing its tail before short sallies. The species makes seasonal or altitudinal movements, descending in winter to lower, more sheltered valleys. Its dark face and forecrown give it a distinctive, masked look against otherwise pale underparts.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low sallies
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs on breeding territories, using rocks as vantage points. Nests are usually placed on the ground or in rock crevices, well hidden among stones or vegetation. Outside the breeding season it may form loose groups in suitable foraging areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are simple and high-pitched, with thin tsip notes and short trills. Song is modest and delivered from a low perch or during brief display flights. Calls carry well in windy, open habitats.
Plumage
Gray-brown upperparts with a contrasting dark forecrown and face; pale whitish to light gray underparts with faint duskiness on the breast. Tail often shows rufous tones with a darker subterminal band. The overall look is clean and crisp with strong face contrast.
Diet
Primarily consumes terrestrial and aerial insects such as beetles, flies, ants, and larvae. It frequently hawks low over the ground or makes short dashes to snatch prey from bare soil or grass tufts. Occasional small arthropods like spiders are also taken. Feeding is opportunistic, focusing on exposed prey in open, windswept terrain.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open puna grasslands, rocky flats, and along the edges of high Andean bogs. Often uses stones, fence posts, or low mounds as lookout points to sally for insects.
