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Lesser Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis murinus Scientific name definitions

Andrew Farnsworth and Gary Langham
Version: 1.0 — Published March 4, 2020
Text last updated January 1, 2004

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Originally Appeared in

HBW Alive

Introduction

At one point this Patagonian flycatcher was known as the Mouse-brown Monjita, and was included in the genus Xolmis. Now it is understood that this is in fact a small and dainty Shrike-Tyrant, those two descriptors are not applicable to the rest of Agriornis which tend to be big brutish flycatchers. However, the Lesser Shrike-Tyrant has a flight display unlike any other Shrike-Tyrants and its placement in Agriornis may be arguable. Perhaps molecular work will find that it is an early branch in Agriornis and not all that closely related to the rest. The flight display is similar to that of the Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola maculirostris), and there are visual similarities between these two flycatchers which are intreaguing. The Lesser Shrike-Tyrant breeds in shrubby Patagonian Steppe and migrates north during the non-breeding season, as far north as southern Bolivia. It is a largely grayish species above, paler below with some buffy on the flanks, and noticeable white edging on the wings, and white sides to the tail. It lacks the large bill of other Shrike-Tyrants.

Field Identification

16–18·5 cm. Has crown grey-brown, supercilium and eyering whitish, lores mixed blackish and white; upperparts grey-brown, wings dusky with whitish tips of wing-coverts, whitish edge of inner primaries; tail dusky, outer web of outermost feather pair greyish (appears black in flight); throat white with contrasting black streaks, becoming very pale greyish-brown on breast and creamy whitish on belly, often tinged buff on flanks; iris dark; bill rather slender, slightly hooked, black; legs blackish. Sexes similar, but female has throat streaking somewhat browner

Systematics History

In past, sometimes placed in Xolmis on grounds of shared behavioural traits and morphological similarities, but now normally included in present genus, which it closely resembles in plumage colour and pattern; appears somewhat intermediate between the two genera, thus supporting their possible merging; further study required. Monotypic.

Subspecies

Monotypic.

Distribution

NW & SC Argentina (Catamarca, La Rioja and Córdoba, and from Neuquén, Río Negro and SW Buenos Aires S to Santa Cruz; may also breed in intervening zone); winters N as far as C Bolivia and W Paraguay.

Habitat

Open plains with dry scrub and scattered trees during breeding season; also agri­cultural areas in non-breeding period. Sea-level to 2500 m; at highest altitudes usually in austral winter in Bolivia.

Movement

Migratory. After breeding migrates N; spends austral winter (May–Sept) in much of rest of Argen­tina (except far NE) and N to W Paraguay and C & S Bolivia (N to Cochabamba and W Santa Cruz). Recorded as vagrant from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (1).

Diet and Foraging

Large in­sects, small mammals, lizards, frogs, and eggs or nestlings of other birds. Generally forages alone. Usually perches on top of shrubs, dropping to the ground and occasionally running rapidly to take prey; sometimes hawks in short flights. When running (sometimes for considerable distances), often stops and then cocks head to one side to inspect ­surroundings.

Sounds and Vocal Behavior

Usually silent; during pursuits gives sharp squeaky notes; occasional high-pitched whistle-like call. Adult male’s atten­uated outermost primaries produce low-pitched, almost inaudible whirring sound during aerial display.

Breeding

One nest found in Nov, a cup made of stems, lined with grass and feathers, external dimensions 12 × 13·5 cm, height 7 cm, internal diameter 7·5 cm, depth 4·5 cm; placed 40 cm above ground in Heterostachys bush; contained 3 eggs. No other information.

Conservation Status

Conservation status on Birdlife LC Least Concern

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Uncommon to fairly common. No obvious potential threats. Survey work required in order to establish precise limits of breeding range.

Distribution of the Lesser Shrike-Tyrant - Range Map
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  • Year-round
  • Migration
  • Breeding
  • Non-Breeding
Distribution of the Lesser Shrike-Tyrant

eBird and Macaulay Library

Recommended Citation

Farnsworth, A. and G. Langham (2020). Lesser Shrike-Tyrant (Agriornis murinus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.lessht1.01
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