Cattle Tyrant

machetornis rixosa

The Cattle Tyrant is a lively, opportunistic flycatcher native to South America, known for its bold personality and unique foraging behaviors. Often observed hitching a ride on the backs of large mammals, this clever bird uses its hosts as mobile hunting platforms. As these giant beasts walk through grasslands, they flush out a buffet of insects, which the Cattle Tyrant swiftly snatches up from mid-air or the ground. Historically a bird of open savannas and pastures, the Cattle Tyrant has adapted remarkably well to human-modified landscapes, expanding its range into suburban lawns and urban parks.

Habitat: Found in open country, pastures, savannas, and urban parks, frequently associating with grazing livestock or large native mammals.

Appearance

This medium-sized flycatcher measures around 19 to 20 centimeters in length and is easily recognized by its olive-brown upperparts and bright, contrasting lemon-yellow belly and chest. It has a relatively long, slender dark bill, dark eyes, and a diagnostic but rarely visible reddish-orange crest hidden on its crown. Its wings and tail are warm brown, and its long, dark legs are built for running on the ground, a trait that sets it apart from many other aerial-hunting tyrant flycatchers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusMachetornis

Photo from iNaturalistCC0View original ↗

Cattle Tyrant

Interesting facts

Despite being flycatchers, they spend a significant amount of time running on the ground like thrushes or pipits.

Their scientific genus name 'Machetornis' comes from Greek words meaning 'fighting bird', referring to their aggressive defense of territories and nests.

They are famous nest thieves, often taking over the heavy, domed mud nests of Rufous Horneros rather than building their own from scratch.

Special abilities

They ride on the backs of large herbivores like horses, cows, and capybaras, using them as mobile perches to spot and catch disturbed insects.

Unlike most flycatchers that hunt strictly from the air, the Cattle Tyrant has exceptionally long legs that allow it to run quickly across the ground to pursue prey.

These birds fiercely defend their nesting sites against much larger intruders and are even known to pirate the closed nests of other bird species.

Measurements & details

Length: 18+ cm
Wingspan: 28+ cm
Weight: 0.026+ kg
Lifespan: 4+ years
Speed: 40 km/h
Clutch Size: 3+
Incubation: 14+ days

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feeds on flying and crawling insects that are stirred up by grazing livestock or large native mammals.

Primary Foods

Grasshoppers
Ticks
Flies
Beetles
Caterpillars

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

Mutualism

Capybara

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Rides on the back of this large rodent to forage for flushed insects and sometimes picks parasites off its skin.

Mutualism

Domestic Cattle

Bos taurus

Follows and perches on grazing cattle to capture insects kicked up from the grass.

Parasite

Shiny Cowbird

Molothrus bonariensis

Frequently parasitized by this bird, which lays its eggs in the Cattle Tyrant's nest.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Cattle Tyrant?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Cattle Tyrant?

18+ cm

What is Cattle Tyrant's wingspan?

28+ cm

How much does Cattle Tyrant weigh?

0.026+ kg

How long does Cattle Tyrant live?

4+ years

How fast can Cattle Tyrant move?

40 km/h

What does Cattle Tyrant eat?

Primarily feeds on flying and crawling insects that are stirred up by grazing livestock or large native mammals.