Bird species profile
Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant
Muscisaxicola maculirostris
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
About the species
The Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant is a small, slender flycatcher native to the open landscapes of Patagonia and the southern Andes. Its plumage is mostly grayish-brown, blending well with the stony ground it frequents. The bird is easily recognized by the subtle dark spots on its bill, a unique trait among ground-tyrants. It is often seen perched on rocks or low mounds, scanning for insects. Despite its wide range, it is a rather inconspicuous species, often overlooked due to its quiet demeanor and cryptic coloration. During the breeding season, it nests on the ground, typically in sheltered spots among stones or low vegetation. The Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant is a resident and partial migrant, with some populations moving to lower elevations in winter. Its adaptability to harsh, windswept environments makes it a characteristic bird of the Patagonian steppe.
Habitat
Open grasslands, Patagonian steppe, and rocky slopes, often at high elevations and in windswept areas.
Foraging
Feeds mainly on insects, foraging from the ground or low perches, often making short flights to catch prey.
