The rufous-webbed bush tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the high Andes of Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwest Argentina. It favors open, rocky slopes, puna grasslands with scattered shrubs, and edges of Polylepis woodlands. Birds frequently use boulder-strewn ridgelines, quebradas, and cliffy terrain as hunting perches. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable open high-elevation habitat persists.
Altitude Range
2700–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A high-Andean flycatcher, the rufous-webbed bush tyrant is best recognized by the warm rufous coloring that shows on its wing webs in flight. It often perches conspicuously on rocks or shrub tops, sallying out to catch insects. Despite living in harsh puna landscapes, it adapts well to open, rocky habitats with scattered shrubs. Its subtle plumage can cause confusion with ground-tyrants, but the rufous wing panels are a handy field mark.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories during the breeding season. Pairs nest in cavities or crevices on rocky ledges, banks, or cliff faces, lining nests with grasses. Courtship involves conspicuous perching and short aerial pursuits.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are simple, with short, thin whistles and chatters delivered from prominent perches. Calls can be sharp and dry, used frequently during territorial displays.
Plumage
Mostly gray to gray-brown above with paler gray underparts; wings dark with distinct rufous edging that forms rufous wing webs visible in flight. Tail dark, sometimes with a subtle rufous wash at the base; throat often slightly paler. Overall sleek flycatcher build with a broad-based bill.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths, captured on short aerial sallies. Also gleans arthropods from rock faces and low shrubs. Occasional ingestion of small berries may occur but is not a major dietary component.
Preferred Environment
Open, rocky areas with scattered shrubs, boulders, and cliff edges that provide elevated perches. Often forages along ridgelines, quebradas, and the margins of high-Andean scrub.
