Hudson's black tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and as a vagrant to Brazil and Peru.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, with occasional vagrants to Brazil and Peru. It favors semi-open habitats including dry scrub, Chaco woodlands, savanna-like grasslands, pastures, and edges of riparian thickets. Often seen in human-altered landscapes such as ranchlands and fencerows where it uses posts and wire as perches. It avoids dense forest but readily occupies woodland edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hudson's black tyrant is a small flycatcher named after the naturalist William Henry Hudson. Males are strikingly dark, sitting conspicuously on fence posts and exposed branches from which they sally after insects. Females are more cryptic brown, offering better camouflage in scrubby habitats. It frequents the Gran Chaco and adjacent open country and may make local seasonal movements following rainfall and prey availability.
Illustration from the species' formal description
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs defend small territories with prominent perch displays. Nest is a small cup placed in a sheltered fork, ledge, or cavity in low vegetation or structures. Both sexes participate in territory defense; the female primarily incubates while the male frequently guards nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are simple and dry, including sharp tzip and chip notes and brief chatter during territorial encounters. Song is a short, thin series of notes delivered from a high perch, often interspersed with aggressive calls when other birds approach.
Plumage
Male is uniformly glossy to sooty black; female is dusky brown with paler underparts and warm rufous edging to wings and tail.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying insects such as flies, beetles, and winged ants, captured by aerial sallies. It also gleans small arthropods from foliage and occasionally from the ground. Opportunistically may take small berries during cooler months when insect activity is lower.
Preferred Environment
Hunts from exposed posts, wires, and dead branches along woodland edges, scrub, and open pastures. Common along fencerows and near watercourses where insect activity concentrates.
