Tityras
Tyrant Flycatchers
The Tityras belong to the tyrant flycatcher family. Their distribution ranges from southern Mexico throughout tropical Central and South America, including Trinidad. They can usually be seen alone or in pairs, perched conspicuously.
The tityras were formerly placed in the cotinga family, but are now usually treated as tyrant flycatchers, although Stiles and Skutch separate the tityras as part of a separate family, the Tityridae. The Black-crowned Tityra is sometimes placed in a separate genus Erator.
Species:
- Black-tailed Tityra, Tityra cayana
- Masked Tityra, Tityra semifasciata
- Black-crowned Tityra, Tityra inquisitor
Description:
These are medium-sized birds.
Plumage: Their plumage differs quite extensively from that of other tyrant flycatchers. The adult males are greyish-white above and white below, except for the wings and tail which are black. The males also have black head markings. The females are similar, but darker grey above, with brown head markings.
Distribution / Habitat:
Their preferred habitat includes forest clearings and edges, second growth and other semi-open habitats, such as plantation shade trees.
Breeding / Nesting:
The eggs are laid in a bed of dry leaves in a tree hole, often an old woodpecker nest. The female incubates alone, but both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 25 days.
Diet:
They like medium-sized fruits, larger insects and occasionally small lizards.
Call / Song:
They make a nasal grunting sound or buzzing calls.
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