The grey monjita is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay, favoring open landscapes. Typical habitats include savannas, pampas grasslands, seasonally flooded plains, pasturelands, and scrubby edges. It also frequents the Cerrado and agricultural mosaics with scattered trees and fence lines. Often found near wetlands margins and along roadsides where perch sites are available.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A conspicuous tyrant flycatcher, the grey monjita often hunts from fence posts and shrubs in open country. It sallies out to catch flying insects and can benefit from lightly grazed ranchlands and farmland edges. Subtle tail-flicking and frequent perch changes make it easy to spot in open habitats. Its wide range and adaptability contribute to a secure conservation status.
Temperament
alert and somewhat bold
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; frequent aerial sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes loosely associating in open areas with scattered perches. Builds a cup-shaped nest in a shrub or small tree; both parents participate in feeding nestlings. Territorial during breeding season, but may be more tolerant outside it.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are simple and sharp, including clear ‘pit’ or ‘tchip’ notes and short whistles. Song is not elaborate but delivered from exposed perches, especially at dawn.
Plumage
Mostly pale grey above with whitish underparts and a cleaner white throat; wings darker with a contrasting pale wing panel; tail dusky with white outer feathers.
Diet
Primarily consumes flying insects such as beetles, flies, and orthopterans. Hunts by sallying from exposed perches and occasionally gleans from the ground or low foliage. May follow livestock or forage along roadsides where insects are flushed. Opportunistic but remains strongly insect-focused.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open grasslands, pastures, savannas, and edges of wetlands with scattered perches. Frequently uses fence posts, wire lines, and isolated shrubs to scan for prey.
