Relatively large Yungas tyrant-flycatcher, measuring 14 cm, with a slender appearance and striking white throat. Upperparts olive-brown, with the crown slightly darker. It has a fine white eyebrow and a conspicuous white throat, frequently expanded, contrasting with the grayish chest and pale yellow belly. Dark wings with two conspicuous whitish to yellowish wing bars. Relatively long, dark tail. Thin black bill and dark legs. Sexes similar.
Geographic distribution: Distributed along the Andes from Venezuela to northwestern Argentina. In Argentina, it inhabits the Yungas of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca, as well as the mountain ranges of northern La Rioja, mainly between 700 and 2,800 m a.s.l., occasionally occurring at higher elevations. Although considered resident, it may perform local seasonal altitudinal movements.
Habitat: Inhabits montane rainforest and montane forest of the Yungas, especially associated with humid forested ravines and mountain alder forests (Alnus acuminata), as well as ecotonal sectors near Polylepis woodlands, habitats that it also frequently enters. Occasionally observed in forested ravines immersed within high-elevation grasslands above 3,000 m a.s.l. (pers. obs.). At the southern limit of its distribution, it also inhabits humid mountain ravines with dense shrub vegetation in the ranges of northern La Rioja. Primarily uses the middle vegetation stratum.
Diet: Primarily insectivorous, feeding on arthropods and occasionally small fruits.
Behavior: Generally moves alone or in pairs, although it also regularly joins mixed-species flocks. It forages with a distinctly upright posture, making prolonged pauses on open perches at low to medium heights. It keeps its tail almost vertical and often clings to vertical stems or branches to inspect nearby foliage. It may move its tail sideways while feeding. Its song consists of a rapid and repeated series of high-pitched notes; it also emits various contact and alarm calls, including short and harsh notes.
Nesting: The nest is a small, neat cup built with plant fibers, mosses, woolly material, and spider webs. It is usually located between 1 and 5 meters above ground on horizontal branches or among epiphytes, especially air plants (Tillandsia). The known clutch size is 2 eggs.
Conservation status: Internationally categorized as Least Concern (LC) and not threatened nationally. It is a widely distributed and common species in montane forests, present in numerous protected areas within its range and frequent in suitable habitats.
Authors of this compilation: María Belén Dri and Diego Carús – 05/31/2026