The grey-bellied shrike-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru, as a migrant or vagrant to Uruguay, and as a vagrant to Brazil.
Region
Central and Southern Andes
Typical Environment
Breeds and occurs widely in open highland and steppe habitats of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru, with migrants or vagrants recorded in Uruguay and occasionally Brazil. It favors puna grasslands, Andean scrub, arid foothills, and Patagonian steppe, often near scattered shrubs, rocky outcrops, or fencerows. In winter it may move downslope into drier lowlands and open farmland. It uses perches such as posts and shrubs to scan for prey and tolerates moderately disturbed grazing landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, powerful tyrant flycatcher, the grey-bellied shrike-tyrant hunts from prominent perches and often drops to the ground to seize prey. It favors open, windswept habitats in the Andes and Patagonian steppe and may descend to lower elevations in the non-breeding season. Despite its name, it is not a true shrike, but it does share the stout, slightly hooked bill suited to tackling large insects and small vertebrates.
Illustration by John Gould, 1839
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and direct, purposeful flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are typically placed low in shrubs or small trees; pairs defend territories and use exposed perches to monitor intruders. Courtship involves display flights and perch-to-perch chases.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are generally low, including soft whistles and short, clipped phrases delivered from exposed perches. Alarm calls are harsher chatters or churrs when disturbed near the nest.
