The Santa Marta bush tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae (tyrants). It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Typical Environment
Occurs in the upper montane zones of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, using ecotones between cloud forest, elfin forest, and shrubby paramo. It prefers forest edges, landslides, secondary growth, and riparian thickets with scattered tall perches. The species is patchy and local, tracking areas with abundant aerial insects and open view perches. It generally avoids dense interior forest and heavily disturbed lowlands.
Altitude Range
2200–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Santa Marta bush tyrant is a high-Andean flycatcher restricted to the isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta of northern Colombia. It favors forest edges and shrubby clearings where it perches conspicuously and sallies for insects. Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation have made it scarce and local. Its isolation has led to unique traits compared with other bush-tyrants of the Andes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sallying flights from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Often seen alone or in pairs, occupying linear territories along forest edges and clearings. During breeding it forms monogamous pairs and uses elevated perches to advertise and defend territory. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in dense shrubs or epiphyte-laden branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, dry chips and short chatters delivered from prominent perches. Song phrases are simple and somewhat harsh, often repeated at intervals during the early morning.
Plumage
Mostly dark slaty-brown with a slightly paler, faintly streaked throat and upper breast; wings dusky with subtle rufous edging; tail with distinct rufous tones contrasting the darker back.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as beetles, flies, and moths, caught by aerial sallies from exposed perches. It also gleans larger arthropods from foliage and branches when opportunities arise. Small fruits may be taken occasionally, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest margins, open shrublands, and riparian edges where visibility and perch sites are abundant. Frequently uses snags, fence lines, and canopy gaps to launch foraging sallies.
