The white-headed marsh tyrant, commonly referred to as the marsh tyrant, is a small passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. It is the sole species within the genus Arundinicola. This diurnal bird, exclusively found in South America, exhibits sexual dimorphism and is known to have monogamous mating behavior.
Region
Amazon and Orinoco basins, Guianas, and adjacent lowlands of northern and central South America
Typical Environment
Prefers freshwater wetlands, including marshes, oxbow lakes, flooded savannas, rice fields, and slow-moving river edges. It is closely tied to emergent vegetation such as reeds, sedges, and grasses where it perches and nests. Often found at the margins of ponds and lagoons and in seasonally inundated areas. Generally avoids dense forest interiors, favoring open, sunlit wetland mosaics. May occur near human-altered wetlands if sufficient vegetation and foraging perches remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-headed marsh tyrant is the sole species in the genus Arundinicola and is a strikingly dimorphic tyrant flycatcher. Males are jet black with a stark white head, while females are brown with a buffy head and dusky eye-line. It typically nests in a domed, ball-like structure suspended over water, a strategy that helps deter many predators. Its presence is a good indicator of intact marsh and wetland habitats.
White-headed marsh tyrant vocalizing.
Perching on a small marsh plant.
A globular nest.
A pair in Serra, Espírito Santo-Southeast of Brazil.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Often seen alone or in pairs, conspicuously perched on reeds, posts, or low twigs over water. Pairs are typically monogamous and defend small territories in breeding areas. The nest is a domed ball of grasses and fibers with a side entrance, usually suspended over water; both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, sharp chips and short, twittering phrases delivered from prominent perches. Calls can include dry, clicking notes used in territorial or pair-contact contexts.
Plumage
Male is glossy black with a clean, entirely white head and nape; wings and tail are black. Female is warm brown above with a buffy to whitish head, dusky eye-line, and paler underparts; juveniles resemble females. Feathers are sleek and smooth, aiding quick sallies from exposed perches.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as flies, dragonflies, damselflies, and beetles. It uses a sit-and-wait strategy, sallying out from perches to catch prey in the air or snatching from the water surface and vegetation. Occasionally gleans small invertebrates from emergent plants. Water-associated insect swarms are especially important.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along the edges of marshes, ponds, slow rivers, and flooded grasslands where emergent vegetation provides perches and cover. Often uses fence posts, reeds, and low snags to launch short foraging flights over open water or wet mud.
