The blue-billed black tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in northeastern Argentina, southern and southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Prefers forest edges, gallery forests, riparian woodlands, and semi-open secondary growth with scattered trees. Often uses shaded perches along streams and forest clearings, ranging into parks and rural shelterbelts. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats but remains tied to tree cover for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small tyrant flycatcher, the blue-billed black tyrant is named for the male’s distinctive pale bluish bill contrasting with jet-black plumage. It is an austral migrant that moves within southern South America, often frequenting forest edges and riparian woodlands. Pairs perch conspicuously and sally out to catch flying insects, returning to the same vantage points.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories during the breeding season. Builds an open cup nest placed on horizontal branches or in forks within wooded areas. Courtship includes perch displays and short chases between mates.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, dry chips and piercing whistles delivered from exposed perches. The simple song is a short series of thin notes, often repeated at intervals during early morning.
Plumage
Male is glossy black overall with a conspicuously pale bluish bill; feathers appear smooth and sleek. Female is dusky brown to rufescent with paler edgings, faint wingbars, and a duller bill. Both sexes show a compact, upright posture on exposed perches.
Diet
Primarily catches flying insects such as flies, beetles, and winged ants by sallying from perches. Also gleans small arthropods from foliage and branches when available. May take small berries opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, riparian corridors, and clearings with scattered trees. Uses open perches like dead branches, fence posts, and canopy gaps to launch aerial hawking bouts.
