The great shrike-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina and Chile.
Region
Southern Andes and Patagonia
Typical Environment
Occurs in central and southern Chile and adjacent western and southern Argentina. Favors open habitats including matorral shrublands, Patagonian steppe, forest edges, and sparsely wooded slopes. Often seen in human-modified landscapes such as ranchlands, hedgerows, and along fence lines. Uses scattered trees, bushy ravines, and rocky outcrops as hunting perches.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great shrike-tyrant is among the largest of the tyrant flycatchers, boasting a hefty, hooked bill more reminiscent of a shrike. It often hunts from exposed perches like fence posts, dropping to the ground to seize prey. Though a flycatcher, it frequently takes small vertebrates in addition to large insects.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs defend territories vigorously, using prominent perches to survey for prey and rivals. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or low trees; both sexes may participate in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are strong, harsh chatters and guttural calls interspersed with clearer whistles. The song is not musical but carries well over open country, often delivered from an exposed perch.
Plumage
Robust, brownish-gray upperparts with slightly paler, often lightly streaked underparts and a clean whitish throat. Tail is dark with subtle paler edges; overall appearance is plain but powerful.
Diet
Takes large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and wasps, and also preys on small vertebrates including lizards, small rodents, and occasionally small birds or nestlings. It hunts by perch-and-pounce, scanning from an elevated vantage and dropping to the ground or into low shrubs. Opportunistic and adaptable, it may also glean from foliage or the ground when prey is abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open scrub, steppe grasslands, pasture edges, and along fences and roads where prey is visible. Often selects scattered shrubs or posts that provide broad views of surrounding ground.
