The short-tailed field tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Ecuador, Peru, and as a vagrant to Chile and Colombia.
Region
Pacific slope of western South America
Typical Environment
Found primarily along the coastal and Andean foothill zones of western Peru and southwestern Ecuador, with occasional vagrants reported to Chile and Colombia. It favors open, sparsely vegetated areas such as pastures, stubble fields, and coastal desert scrub, as well as edges of dry forest and agricultural mosaics. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats and is commonly seen near human settlements and along roadsides. It typically uses low perches from which it sallies to the ground to capture prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is the sole member of the genus Muscigralla and is notable for its very short tail and upright stance. It frequents open fields and pastures, often perching on low posts and following livestock to snatch flushed insects. Its tolerance of human-altered landscapes helps keep it relatively common within its core range.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct over open ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups in open country. Often perches on fences, rocks, or low shrubs and makes short sallies to the ground. Nests are placed low, typically in shrubs or grassy cover, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are simple, consisting of sharp tseet calls and thin chatters delivered from low perches. Song is modest and utilitarian, used for territory advertisement and contact.
Plumage
Upperparts gray-brown to sandy with subtle pale edging on the wings; underparts whitish with a faint buffy wash on the breast. Tail is notably short and dark, accentuating an upright, ground-dwelling posture. The head shows a pale eyebrow and darker eye-line with a clean whitish throat.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as beetles, flies, ants, and grasshoppers, taken from the ground or low vegetation. It frequently sallies from a perch to pounce on prey or runs short distances to seize items. The species may follow grazing livestock to capture insects disturbed by their movement.
Preferred Environment
Open fields, pastures, fallow agricultural land, and coastal scrub with scattered perches. Often forages along field edges, tracks, and fencerows where prey is plentiful and visibility is high.
