The lesser wagtail-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occupies low, shrubby vegetation on river islands and sandbars along major Amazonian rivers and their tributaries. Prefers early-successional thickets, young river-edge forest, and dense tangles of grasses and vines. Often found near open water and exposed sand where new vegetation is establishing. Tolerates disturbed and dynamic habitats but remains tied to riverine environments.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively tyrant flycatcher of the Amazon’s river islands, it constantly wags and fans its long tail while foraging in low shrubs. It is closely tied to early-successional scrub that forms on newly created islands and sandbars, making it sensitive to changes in river dynamics. Pairs often keep close contact with sharp calls and may duet.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups maintaining close contact while foraging low in shrubs. Territorial pairs defend small stretches of river-island habitat during the breeding season. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation near water; both sexes participate in nest duties. Outside breeding, may join loose mixed flocks along river-edge thickets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers quick, high-pitched trills and thin, buzzy phrases interspersed with sharp chips. Calls are crisp and penetrating, used frequently as pairs keep in contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Neat, smooth plumage with gray to olive-gray upperparts and bright yellow underparts; tail long and often cocked and wagged. The head shows a contrasting pale supercilium and darker lores. Tail is dark with pale or white outer edges that flash in motion.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, ants, and caterpillars, gleaned from leaves and twigs or caught by short sallies. Also takes spiders and other small arthropods from low shrub layers. Occasionally snaps prey from the ground or exposed sand near vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense, waist-high thickets on river islands, including young willow-like shrubs, grasses, and vine tangles. Often works the edges of clearings and the interface between open sandbars and scrubby cover.
