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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Mostly uniform ash-gray (cinereous) upperparts with paler gray to whitish underparts and subtly darker wings and tail. Feathers often show faint pale fringes on the wing coverts. The tail is dark with contrasting pale outer edges visible in flight.
Diet
Feeds primarily on ground-dwelling and flying insects such as beetles, flies, ants, and small moths, and will also take spiders and other small arthropods. It hunts by running and stopping to pick prey from the ground, then making short sallies to catch flying insects. Foraging activity often concentrates where wind or meltwater exposes insects on open ground.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated highland habitats with rocks for perches, including puna grasslands, bog margins, and scree. In winter and on migration it utilizes lower open steppe, coastal desert flats, and disturbed open areas.
