The Sao Francisco black tyrant, also known as the caatinga black tyrant or Brazilian black tyrant, is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Northeast and eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily along the São Francisco River and adjacent caatinga scrub, dry deciduous woodland, and riparian thickets. It favors open to semi-open habitats with scattered trees, scrub, and rocky outcrops. The species is often found near watercourses, gallery forests, and reservoir margins. It also occupies edges of agricultural lands, pastures, and rural settlements where perch sites are available.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tyrant flycatcher is confined to the São Francisco River basin of eastern Brazil, where it frequents semi-arid caatinga and riparian woodlands. Males are strikingly dark and sally out from exposed perches to catch flying insects. It readily uses fence posts and power lines as hunting lookouts, making it fairly conspicuous in open country. Habitat loss along river corridors is a concern, but the species persists in moderately disturbed landscapes.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend small territories. Perches conspicuously on exposed twigs, rocks, or wires to watch for prey. Nests are small cups placed in forks or sheltered ledges; both adults participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, dry chips and a thin twittering series delivered from high perches. The song is modest and intermittent, often interspersed with call notes during display flights.
Plumage
Male is glossy black overall with subtle pale edging on the wings and tail; female is brownish with paler underparts and faint streaking, often with warmer rufous tones in the tail and wing edges.
Diet
Primarily feeds on flying insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, and termites. It employs sit-and-sally tactics, launching from perches to snatch prey in midair. It also gleans from foliage and occasionally takes prey from the ground. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages along open scrub, riparian edges, rocky slopes, and pasture margins where exposed perches are abundant. Frequently hunts from fence posts, isolated trees, and utility lines near watercourses.
