The suiriri flycatcher is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Suriname, and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from central and eastern Bolivia through Paraguay and northern Argentina, across much of central and eastern Brazil, into Uruguay and locally Suriname. Favors open savannas, cerrado, chaco scrub, dry woodland edges, gallery forests, and pasture with scattered trees. Often uses fencerows and roadside trees in agricultural landscapes. Generally avoids dense forest interiors but occupies ecotones and semi-open habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its clear, whistled “sui-ri-ri” calls, this flycatcher often duets with its mate from exposed perches. It thrives in open savannas and lightly wooded areas, including ranchlands and roadside trees, where it helps control insect populations. Pairs are territorial during breeding and frequently pump their tails while scanning for prey.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining territories in suitable open habitats. Pairs perform vocal duets and perch prominently to survey for insects. Nests are open cups placed in forks or outer branches, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Clear, whistled phrases often rendered as 'sui-ri-ri,' typically given in duet by a pair. Calls include sharp chips and trills used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Grayish head and nape with olive-brown upperparts; pale whitish to buff underparts with a light yellow wash on the belly. Two distinct pale wingbars on dusky wings and a dark tail often edged paler. Overall clean, lightly marked appearance with subtle contrast between gray head and warmer back.
Diet
Primarily takes flying insects such as beetles, flies, wasps, and termites, captured by short sallies from exposed perches. Also gleans caterpillars and other arthropods from foliage and twigs. May occasionally take small fruits when insect availability is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages along woodland edges, in open savannas, chaco scrub, gallery forest margins, and in human-modified landscapes with scattered trees. Often hunts from mid to upper perches, scanning before making quick aerial sorties.
