Kalinowski's chat-tyrant, also known as the Peruvian chat-tyrant, is a species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andean cloud forests of southern Peru and western Bolivia
Typical Environment
Occurs along humid Andean slopes in montane cloud forest, elfin forest, and secondary growth, especially at forest edges, landslides, and shrubby ravines. It frequents bamboo thickets (e.g., Chusquea) and disturbed clearings adjacent to mature forest. Often perches conspicuously on low to mid-level branches or fence posts, making short aerial sallies to catch insects. In Bolivia it is found mainly in the northern Andean departments contiguous with its Peruvian range.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the Polish-Peruvian naturalist Jan Kalinowski, this small Andean flycatcher favors forest edges and shrubby clearings where it hunts insects by short sallies from perches. It is often confused with other chat-tyrants but can be told by its bold white eyebrow and warm rufous tail. The species occurs in humid montane zones of Peru and adjacent Bolivia and is typically non-migratory, though it may shift locally with seasons.
Temperament
active and somewhat wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent short sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories during the breeding season. Pairs typically nest in concealed sites such as banks, ledges, or dense shrubs, constructing a cup nest. May join mixed-species flocks at forest edges outside of breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with short trills, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatters when disturbed.
Plumage
Compact chat-tyrant with gray head and nape, a bold white supercilium, brown to olive-brown upperparts, and a warm rufous tail and uppertail-coverts. Underparts are pale gray to whitish with a faint buffy or rufous wash on the breast; wings show pale buff wing bars. Bill is short and broad, adapted for flycatching.
Diet
Primarily small insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars, with occasional spiders. Forages by sallying from exposed perches and by short gleaning flights to pick prey from foliage. May take small berries opportunistically, especially in cooler months when insects are less active.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, shrubby clearings, streamside thickets, and bamboo patches within humid montane zones. Often uses perches with open sightlines near cover, such as isolated branches, stakes, or fence lines.
