The golden-browed chat-tyrant is a species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of the central Andes, primarily in Peru and Bolivia. It frequents forest edges, mossy ravines, streamside thickets, and second-growth with dense understory. The species often uses elfin forest and Chusquea bamboo patches near the treeline. It tolerates some disturbance and can be seen along roadsides with earthen banks.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean flycatcher, the golden-browed chat-tyrant sports a vivid yellow eyebrow that stands out in dim cloud-forest light. It typically hunts by short sallies from low perches, snapping up insects around forest edges and ravines. Often found in pairs, it is a year-round resident in montane forests of Peru and Bolivia.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. It defends small territories along forest edges and ravines. Nests are typically mossy cups placed on earthen banks, ledges, or protected niches near streams.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaky notes, often delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp chips used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Compact flycatcher with a bright golden supercilium over a dusky mask, grayish crown, and olive-brown upperparts. Underparts are yellow with an olive wash on the breast. Wings and tail show rufous tones and subtle wing bars.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods. It hawks prey in short flights from low to mid-level perches and also gleans from foliage and mossy trunks. Occasional hover-gleaning is used around bamboo and dense understory.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, streamside vegetation, and within dense understory such as bamboo and shrubby clearings. Often selects perches with good visibility over small gaps or ravines.
