The greyish mourner is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through lowland tropical forests of northern and central South America, including the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. It uses terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests, as well as forest edges and tall second growth. The species is typically associated with interior and edge habitats rather than open country. It is absent from the southern cone countries such as Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A quiet, unobtrusive tyrant flycatcher, the greyish mourner spends much of its time perched in the midstory of humid forests, sallying out to snatch insects. Its soft, plaintive whistles give the group its name. It tolerates lightly disturbed forests and edges, helping it remain widespread across the Amazon and Guianas.
Temperament
solitary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, quietly foraging from shaded perches. It may accompany mixed-species flocks in the midstory but tends to keep a low profile. Nests are placed discreetly in vegetation, with both parents involved in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, mournful whistles delivered in short, spaced phrases. The song often descends slightly in pitch and carries surprisingly well through dense forest.
Plumage
Plain greyish-brown to olive-grey upperparts with slightly paler underparts and a subtly lighter throat; wings and tail are dusky with minimal contrast. Overall appearance is smooth and uniform without bold streaking or barring.
Diet
Primarily takes flying and arboreal insects such as beetles, flies, and moths, captured by short sallies from a perch. It also gleans prey from foliage and occasionally snatches spiders. Small fruits and berries are eaten opportunistically, especially when insect activity is low. Foraging is methodical and patient rather than frenetic.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to subcanopy of humid lowland forests, along edges, and in tall secondary growth. It often works shaded interior perches overlooking small gaps or trails. Riparian and gallery forests are also frequented.
