The little ground tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, possibly in Colombia]], and as a Vagrancy (biology)vagrant in Ecuador.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs along major white-water rivers and their seasonally exposed sand and gravel bars in Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia, possibly reaching southern Colombia, with occasional vagrants to Ecuador. It favors open, sparsely vegetated river islands, driftwood-strewn beaches, and early successional scrub. The species tracks the shifting mosaic of riverbars created by fluctuating water levels. It is typically absent from closed forest and human settlements away from large rivers.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Little Ground Tyrant is a small, terrestrial flycatcher that frequents sandy and gravel riverbars of the western Amazon Basin. It often runs rather than hops, sallying short distances to snatch insects from the ground. Some authorities place it in the genus Muscisaxicola, but many now treat it as the monotypic Syrtidicola. It is locally common where suitable riverine habitat persists and can appear on newly formed islands.
Temperament
alert and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, loosely tolerant of others on expansive riverbars. Nests are placed on or near the ground among sparse vegetation or debris, with both adults attending. Likely monogamous during the breeding season and strongly tied to dynamic riverbar habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives thin, high-pitched tseep notes and short twittering bursts. Vocalizations are simple and used for contact and brief territorial displays.
