A tyrant flycatcher of 21 to 23 cm with an olive-green back, a gray head and neck, and a bright yellow belly and breast. The crown has a concealed orange-red patch that is shown only in display. The bill is blackish, short and stout. The tail is black with a slightly forked tip. It inhabits open areas with scattered trees, forest edges and fields with isolated trees. Abundant in spring and summer in the semi-open habitats of the Iberá; it migrates north in autumn and winter.
Behaviour
Solitary or in pairs. It perches on high exposed branches, from where it makes wide, agile sallies to catch insects. Very territorial during the breeding season, it defends its favorite perches from other tropical kingbirds. The song is a "suiri-ri-ri-ri" whistle repeated constantly from dawn.
How and when to see it
A summer visitor, abundant from October to April. It arrives in late September and its constant song is part of the soundscape of the Iberá in the warm season.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where tropical kingbird has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where tropical kingbird lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Jurassic Plant - Night Tour
The only carnivorous-plant garden in Argentina and a pioneer in Latin America. A guided…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameTropical Kingbird
- Scientific nameTyrannus melancholicus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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