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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.