The southern bristle tyrant is a Near Threatened species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest (Brazil, Paraguay, northeastern Argentina)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid Atlantic Forest, including well-preserved lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, and mature second growth. It favors dense vine tangles, bamboo patches, and streamside vegetation where insects are abundant. The species typically forages in the midstory and canopy layers, often within mixed-species flocks. It is patchily distributed and declines with heavy fragmentation, persisting best in continuous forest tracts.
Altitude Range
100–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Atlantic Forest flycatcher, the southern bristle tyrant is often located by its thin, high-pitched calls as it moves through the midstory. The 'bristle' refers to stiff rictal bristles around the bill that help it snag tiny insects in flight or from foliage. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and is sensitive to forest fragmentation. It is considered Near Threatened due to ongoing habitat loss across its range.
Temperament
active but retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, frequently accompanying mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Likely monogamous, with breeding in the austral spring–summer; builds a small, mossy, suspended cup nest typical of the group. Territorial during breeding but otherwise tolerant near foraging flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched tsee and tsi notes, sometimes forming a brief, buzzy trill. Calls are insect-like and can be easily overlooked in cicada-rich forests.
