A tyrant flycatcher approximately 17 cm (6.7 in) long, with a slender appearance, relatively long tail, and short, thin bill, closely associated with rivers and streams in the Yungas. Adults have a dark grayish-black head, breast, and back. The wings display two conspicuous white wingbars and broad white edges on the tertials. The center of the belly is white, as are the undertail coverts, while the outer tail feathers are also white and become more noticeable in flight. The female resembles the male but is slightly duller in coloration. Juveniles have fine brownish or buff edges on the feathers of the back and wings. The bill, legs, and iris are black.
Geographic distribution: It ranges from the western United States, Mexico, and Central America south to the Andean region of South America, from Venezuela to northwestern Argentina. In Argentina, it is represented by the subspecies Sayornis nigricans latirostris, which inhabits the Yungas of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca, approximately between 500 and 2,400 m above sea level. It performs altitudinal movements, descending to lower elevations during winter.
Habitat: This species is closely associated with fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers. It inhabits creeks and rivers within the Yungas, from the foothill rainforest to the montane forest, where it frequents rocks, banks, and shrubs located beside the water. The presence of natural rock walls or structures such as bridges is important, as these are commonly used as nesting sites.
Diet: It feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods. It usually captures prey by making short flights from a rock, branch, or shrub near the water, returning afterward to the same perch. It occasionally also catches small fish near the water´s surface.
Behavior: It is generally observed alone or in pairs. It remains perched on rocks, branches, or shrubs along streams, scanning its surroundings before making rapid flights to capture prey. After each foraging flight, it usually returns to the same perch. It frequently lowers and raises its tail while perched. It is territorial during the breeding season and gives a short, sharp, metallic call that often reveals its presence.
Nesting: It builds a cup-shaped nest made of mud, plant fibers, and mosses, firmly attached to vertical rock faces, banks, or beneath bridges, almost always above flowing water. The clutch usually consists of three to four eggs, and both members of the pair participate in feeding the nestlings.
Conservation status: Classified as Least Concern (LC) at the international level. In Argentina, it has no national threat category. Although it has a wide distribution and is relatively common in suitable habitats, it depends heavily on the conservation of the Yungas rivers and streams with good environmental quality. Alteration of watercourses, pollution, and modification of riverbanks may locally affect its populations.
Author of this compilation: María Belén Dri and Diego Carús – 07/07/2026