The plumbeous tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the east Andean slopes from central Peru through Bolivia into northwestern Argentina. It inhabits humid montane forests, forest edges, and second-growth scrub, especially near ravines and streams. The species often uses bamboo thickets and shrubby openings, perching on exposed twigs to sally for prey. It is most frequently encountered at forest margins and along roads or trails within cloud forest zones.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small Andean flycatcher favors humid montane forest edges and clearings where it makes short sallies to snatch insects. Its uniform lead-gray plumage can make it easy to overlook, but it often flicks its tail and returns to the same exposed perch. It adapts well to second-growth and roadside thickets, which can help it persist near human activity.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories along forest edges and clearings. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in banks, ledges, or dense vegetation, with both parents participating in care. It may join mixed-species flocks briefly while foraging along edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of short, thin, high-pitched phrases and trills delivered from an exposed perch, especially at dawn. Calls include sharp tsip or tsee notes used during foraging and territorial exchanges.
Plumage
Mostly uniform lead-gray (plumbeous) with slightly darker wings and tail, and often faint pale edging on the wing coverts. Throat may appear a touch paler; underparts are otherwise gray with subtle contrast. Feathers are sleek without heavy streaking.
Diet
Primarily takes small flying and crawling insects, captured by sallying from a perch or gleaning from foliage. It makes frequent short flights to snap prey mid-air and returns to the same perch. Occasionally it may take small arthropods from the ground or low vegetation and may rarely consume tiny berries.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, roadside thickets, streamside shrubs, and gaps within humid montane forest. Prefers perches with clear sightlines for quick sallies and short return flights.
