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Overview
White monjita

White monjita

Wikipedia

The white monjita is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

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Distribution

Region

South America

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across open and semi-open habitats from eastern Bolivia and southern Brazil through Paraguay, Uruguay, and much of northern and central Argentina. It favors grasslands, savannas, pastures, marsh edges, and shrubby campos and chaco. It readily uses agricultural landscapes with scattered trees and fencelines for perching. In wetter regions it frequents the margins of wetlands and seasonally flooded plains.

Altitude Range

0–1200 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size18–20 cm
Wing Span30–35 cm
Male Weight0.034 kg
Female Weight0.031 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The white monjita is a conspicuous tyrant flycatcher that perches on fence posts and low shrubs, sallying out to catch insects on the wing. Its striking white plumage with contrasting dark wings and tail makes it easy to spot in open country. It adapts well to lightly disturbed habitats such as pastures and field margins and often follows grazing livestock to snatch flushed insects.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

confident and conspicuous

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups in open country. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season and nest in open cups placed in trees or shrubs. They often use exposed perches to watch for prey and may associate loosely with other open-country flycatchers.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Vocalizations are simple, with thin whistles and short, sharp calls given from exposed perches. Song is not elaborate, consisting of brief phrases repeated intermittently, often at dawn and during territorial displays.

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