The spectacled tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and as a vagrant to Peru.
Region
Southern Cone of South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (south), Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with occasional vagrants to Peru. Favors freshwater marshes, reedbeds, bulrush stands, wet meadows, rice fields, and pampas grasslands near water. Often found along the margins of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers where emergent vegetation provides perches. Tolerates moderately altered landscapes if wetland structure remains intact. In winter some populations disperse more broadly into adjacent lowland wetlands and damp grasslands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the male’s bold white eye ‘spectacles,’ the spectacled tyrant is a striking marsh-dwelling flycatcher. Males are conspicuous, often perching atop reeds and flashing a white wing patch in display flights, while females are much browner and more cryptic. It hunts by sallying from exposed perches to snatch flying insects over wetlands. The species occurs across southern South America and is partially migratory, shifting northward in the austral winter.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies; conspicuous white wing flash in flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, often perched prominently on reeds or fenceposts. Breeding pairs establish territories in marshes and nest low among dense emergent vegetation. The cup-shaped nest is placed in reeds or grasses over shallow water. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, whistled notes and tinkling phrases delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp ticks and chatters, often given during short display flights. Vocalizations carry well over open wetlands.
Plumage
Male glossy black with a conspicuous white eye ‘spectacle’ and a contrasting white wing patch; sleek plumage with clean contrasts. Female and immature birds are warm brown to buff with fine streaking and a pale supercilium, lacking the male’s spectacles and wing blaze.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying and gleaned insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars; also takes spiders and other small arthropods. Hunts by sallying from prominent perches and by making short hover-gleans over reed tops. Will occasionally pick prey from the ground or water surface along marsh edges.
Preferred Environment
Forages along the edges of freshwater marshes, reedbeds, and wet meadows where emergent plants provide vantage points. Also uses rice paddies, irrigation ditches, and cattle ponds in open country.
