The sharp-tailed grass tyrant or sharp-tailed tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern and central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, primarily in open native grasslands, wet campos, and seasonally flooded savannas. Prefers areas with tall bunchgrasses and scattered low shrubs, often near marshy edges or damp meadows. It may use lightly grazed pastures and roadside or fence-line grass strips where vegetation structure remains tall. Avoids intensively cultivated fields and heavily overgrazed short swards.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, grassland tyrant flycatcher, it favors tall native grasses and is often overlooked due to its secretive habits and camouflaged plumage. The long, spiky tail is used in display flights above grass tussocks. It is sensitive to grassland management; populations can vanish after heavy overgrazing but may rebound where native grasses are allowed to regrow. Widespread but patchy, it has declined with the loss of Cerrado and Pampas habitats.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering sallies over grass
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, keeping low within tall grasses and occasionally perching atop stems to survey. Pairs likely defend small territories during breeding. The nest is typically a small cup concealed in grass tussocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high, insect-like series of notes, often delivered from a grass stem or during a brief display flight. Calls include sharp ticks and soft trills that can be hard to locate in windy grasslands.
