Little ground tyrant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little ground tyrant |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Syrtidicola
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| Species: |
fluviatilis
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The little ground tyrant (scientific name: Syrtidicola fluviatilis) is a small bird. It belongs to the Tyrannidae family, also known as tyrant flycatchers. This bird is the only species in its genus, Syrtidicola.
You can find it in parts of the Amazon rainforest, including Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. It also lives in smaller areas of Colombia and Ecuador. These birds like to live near rivers and in moist shrublands.
About Its Name and Family
Birds are grouped into families and genera based on how they are related. The little ground tyrant used to be in a different group called Muscisaxicola.
In 2020, scientists did a special study using genetics. They found that the little ground tyrant was quite different from other birds in the Muscisaxicola group. Instead, it was more closely related to the yellow-browed tyrant.
Because of these new findings, scientists created a brand new genus just for the little ground tyrant. This new group is called Syrtidicola.
Where Does It Live?
The little ground tyrant lives in the southwest part of the Amazon Basin. It prefers areas at higher elevations, especially near the headwaters of the Amazon's rivers.
The largest area where it lives is in eastern and central Bolivia. This region includes many rivers that flow into the Madeira River.
From central Bolivia, its home range stretches north through Amazonian Peru. It also crosses into the southwest border areas of Brazil's Amazonas state. The bird follows a special path along the Marañón River and Amazon River.
You can also find small, separate groups of these birds in Ecuador. There is also a small area in southern Colombia, along the northern bank of the Marañón River.
What Does It Do?
The little ground tyrant mostly eats insects. These birds are often seen on open sandbars found on river islands. They also like to hang out in open grassy areas.
This bird has sandy gray-brown feathers on its back. Its wings are darker, with buff-rust edges. It has a blackish tail and a white stripe above its eye.
The little ground tyrant has a thin, blackish beak. Its belly feathers are off-white. This bird often sits out in the open on the ground, making it easy to spot. However, it rarely makes calls.
