Cinereous ground tyrant

The cinereous ground tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

Distribution

Region

Andes Mountains

Typical Environment

Found from southern Peru through western Bolivia and Chile into northwestern Argentina, mainly in open, windswept Andean habitats. Breeds in puna grasslands, cushion bogs (bofedales), stony slopes, and sparsely vegetated scree near the alpine zone. Often occurs around meltwater patches and glacier edges where insects are concentrated. In the nonbreeding season, it descends to lower Andean foothills, steppe, and in some areas reaches coastal deserts and plains. It favors expansive, open terrain with scattered rocks for perches and cover.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 5200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size17–20 cm

Wing Span28–32 cm

Male Weight0.034 kg

Female Weight0.031 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A high-Andes specialist, the cinereous ground tyrant often forages on bare stony ground near snowlines and alpine bogs. Unlike many flycatchers, it frequently runs on the ground to chase insects and makes short sallies from rocks. Nests are typically tucked under stones or in rock crevices to shelter from harsh winds and temperature swings. Outside the breeding season it may descend dramatically in elevation, sometimes reaching coastal plains.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

alert, terrestrial, and fairly wary

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes and brief aerial sallies

Social Behavior

Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, defending open territories. Nests are placed under rocks or in crevices; both parents typically care for the young. In the nonbreeding season it may form small loose groups in open foraging areas.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Song is a thin, high-pitched series of trills and twitters, often given from a rock or during a short song flight. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft chatters used during foraging and territorial exchanges.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Cinereous harrier

The cinereous harrier is a South American bird of prey of the harrier family. Its breeding range extends from the Tierra del Fuego through Argentina and Chile to Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru and southern Brazil; and across the Andes north to Colombia. The bird's population is declining but due to its large range is not considered vulnerable. The term cinereous, deriving from the Latin word for ashy, describes its colouration.

Cinereous tinamou

The cinereous tinamou, also known as brushland tinamou, is a type of ground bird found in swamp and lowland forests in northern South America. They have some localized names that have been used by the indigenous people such as in Amazonas where they are called inambu-pixuna, and in Pará, Brazil where they are called nambu-sujo. Also, throughout their range they are called inhambu-preto. Cinereous tinamous have been around for many centuries. They are part of the oldest families of the world today and have fossils discovered dating back tens of millions of years. Their quick reflexes play a role in their ability to survive.

Cinereous tit

The cinereous tit or Asian tit is a species of bird in the tit family Paridae. This species is made up of several populations that were earlier treated as subspecies of the great tit. These birds are grey backed with white undersides. The great tit in the new sense is distinguishable by the greenish-back and yellowish underside. The distribution of this species extends from parts of West Asia across South Asia and into Southeast Asia. The Japanese tit was formerly treated as a separate species but is now lumped together with the cinereous tit.