The riverside tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America (Orinoco and western Amazon basins)
Typical Environment
Occurs along large lowland rivers, oxbow lakes, and seasonally flooded river islands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It favors open shorelines with sparse shrubs, young riverine scrub, and driftwood where it has clear flycatching lanes over water. Frequently uses newly formed sandbars and early successional vegetation created by shifting channels. It will also appear near human-altered river edges and ferries where perches are available.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The riverside tyrant is a sleek flycatcher that favors wide tropical rivers with sandbars and scrubby banks. It often perches conspicuously on driftwood or low branches to sally out for insects over the water. Its distribution tracks the dynamic floodplains of the Orinoco and western Amazon systems, where it adapts to shifting habitats. Pairs defend linear stretches of shoreline during the breeding season.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs along stretches of riverbank. Pairs defend linear territories during breeding and nest low in shrubs or small trees near water. Nests are typically open cups placed in dense twigs above the floodline.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are simple, with sharp chips and short whistles delivered from exposed perches. Song bouts are brief and spaced, often at dawn and late afternoon.
