The red-rumped bush tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along high Andean slopes and plateaus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It favors open montane shrublands, rocky slopes, puna and páramo edges, and the borders of Polylepis woodlands. The species often uses cliff faces, ravines, and landslides that provide exposed perches and nest sites. It tolerates lightly modified landscapes such as pastures with scattered bushes and fencerows. Local movements may occur along elevational gradients following weather and food availability.
Altitude Range
2600–4300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A high-Andean tyrant flycatcher, the red-rumped bush tyrant is best recognized by its conspicuous rufous rump and base of the tail that flash in flight. It often perches on rocks, fence posts, or shrub tops to sally out for insects. Pairs defend open territories and frequently use natural cavities or ledges for nesting. It can sometimes be seen near pastures where it takes insects flushed by grazing livestock.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs on open rocky or shrubby slopes. Pairs maintain territories and perch conspicuously on boulders, posts, or shrub tops. Nests are placed in cavities, crevices, or ledges on cliffs, banks, or buildings; both parents reportedly care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched whistles and brief trills delivered from prominent perches. Calls are sharp, squeaky notes used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Slate-gray head and upperparts with brownish wings edged pale; warm rufous lower back and rump; rufous tail contrasting with gray upperparts; underparts pale gray to whitish with subtle mottling on breast.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying and crawling insects, including beetles, flies, and orthopterans, captured by sallying from exposed perches. It also glean insects from rocks and low shrubs when wind or cold reduces aerial activity. Occasional small berries may be taken when insect availability is low. Foraging is typically deliberate, with frequent returns to a favored lookout.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open high-montane habitats with scattered shrubs, rock outcrops, and cliff faces. Frequently uses fence posts, boulders, and bush tops as vantage points near páramo and puna edges.
