Large tyrannid measuring 21–23 cm, robust and big-headed, with an upright posture and conspicuous behavior from high perches. Upperparts dark brown, with even darker wings and extensive rufous on flight feathers and tail visible in flight. Throat and upper chest white with very marked brown streaking. Rest of underparts cinnamon. Tail with a dark “T-shape” when seen from above; rufous below with black tips. Bill large, thick, slightly hooked; legs black. Juvenile: paler and with faint streaking. Can be confused with the Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea), but the Large Flycatcher is bulkier, with a larger head, streaked white throat (never clean white), and more rufous wings and tail in flight. Also confused with the Rufous-winged Ground-Tyrant (Polioxolmis rufipennis) in flight, since although perched it is gray, in flight it also shows rufous, but much less extensive.
Geographic distribution: Generally along the Andes from Venezuela to northern Argentina. In Argentina it occurs in the yungas of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca, extending into La Rioja and marginally San Juan; mainly between 1500–3000 m. Associated with forested ravines, montane yunga ecotones, and sierras with shrubs and rocky outcrops. Rare at the southern limit of its distribution, more frequent in the north. Performs seasonal altitudinal movements, especially in the Yungas and Prepuna. In La Rioja and San Juan it appears as a summer or seasonal visitor.
Habitat: Mountain ranges with cliffs, shrubby and forested ravines, yunga ecotones of montane forest, cliffs, and open areas with elevated perches. Avoids closed habitats; prefers semi-open environments with rocky outcrops, landslides, and scattered trees.
Behavior: Solitary or in pairs; territorial and approachable. Always perches high and exposed, with upright posture. Performs wide, long flights to capture prey. Vocal, though not excessively loud: descending whistles.
Diet: Arthropods and small vertebrates. Hunts using elastic sallying and aerial pursuit from high perches (rocks, branches, wires). Returns to the same perch after attacking. Occasionally takes prey from the ground or mid-level vegetation.
Reproduction: Nest is a disorderly cup placed in crevices, under structures, bridges, or cliffs. Clutch of 2–3 eggs.
Conservation status: Species not threatened and common.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025