Large gaucho measuring 24–25 cm, robust, with a very thick, hooked and bicolored bill, the lower mandible pale yellowish and the upper one dark—a key feature separating it from other Agriornis. Crown brownish-gray, darker than the back; faint pale eyebrow; pale throat with fine, weak streaking. Upperparts uniformly brown-gray and dark wings with buff edging. The tail is dark with only a narrow whitish outer margin, an essential diagnostic trait distinguishing it from the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant. Underparts pale gray to soft cinnamon without strong contrast. Juveniles are browner and lack throat streaking.
Subspecies: micropterus (Patagonia, Cuyo, central and southern Buenos Aires, La Pampa): larger, grayer, with more evident throat streaking and pronounced seasonal occurrence. Moves northward in winter toward northern Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. andecola (NW Argentina: Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, Tucumán): smaller and paler, with faint cinnamon tones and weaker throat streaking. A high-elevation resident of puna and prepuna.
Similar species: Differs from the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant (A. montanus) by its black tail and thick, pale-based bill, since montanus has a white tail and a completely black, less robust bill. Separates from the rare Andean Shrike-Tyrant (A. albicauda) by its black tail (the Andean species has a white tail), although they share similar bill structure. Compared with the Great Shrike-Tyrant (A. lividus), the latter is clearly larger and shows rich ochraceous belly and undertail coverts. The Little Shrike-Tyrant (A. micropterus) is smaller, more terrestrial, with a thinner bill and wings with more marked edgings.
Geographic distribution: Disjunct distribution between high-Andean populations (andecola) and southern populations (micropterus). In Argentina it inhabits the high-Andean NW, the central-west, the Patagonian steppe, Sierras, and southern Buenos Aires. The Patagonian population migrates northward in winter, reaching northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and Uruguay. The andecola form is a high-altitude resident with short altitudinal movements. Elevation: 3000–4000 m (andecola); 0–1300 m (micropterus).
Habitat: Occurs from Patagonian steppes to intermontane valleys. Favors open shrub steppes, rocky slopes, dense Patagonian shrublands (e.g., Junellia), and rural areas in winter. The subspecies andecola inhabits shrubby puna, high-Andean plains and rocky terrain.
Behavior: Generally solitary and somewhat wary, often remaining still on exposed perches while surveying wide areas. Flies long distances low over the ground when disturbed. Not very vocal, but gives dry calls during chases. Uses elevated perches such as shrubs, rocks and fences. It is one of the quietest Agriornis. Emits a dry, brief kip, isolated and infrequent. During the breeding season it can produce fine, high whistles, and during displays the male’s attenuated outer primaries produce a buzzing sound.
Diet: Opportunistic predator of large insects, spiders, small mammals, lizards and frogs. May take nestlings or eggs of small birds. Occasionally eats fruits. Hunts from perches or through low short flights; also runs on the ground to capture prey.
Reproduction: Builds a large cup-shaped nest of sticks and twigs placed in shrubs 1 m or more above the ground or in dense vegetation. Typical clutch consists of 3–4 eggs.
Conservation status: Species not considered threatened. Generally uncommon but widely distributed.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025