Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant vs Strange-tailed Tyrant

In short

The Strange-tailed Tyrant is unmistakable in the field due to the male's extraordinary long, streamer-like tail feathers, contrasting with the Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant, which has a more typical tail structure. Both species belong to the Tyrant Flycatchers family, but their habitats and plumage offer clear distinctions.

Identification tips

• Look for the long, streamer-like tail feathers in male Strange-tailed Tyrants.
• Note the black and white plumage with potential pinkish or orangey throat in breeding males of the Strange-tailed Tyrant.
• Observe habitat: Strange-tailed Tyrants are typically in tall grasslands.
• Behavior can be a clue: Strange-tailed Tyrants are polygynous.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Strange-tailed Tyrant's elongated tail gives it a more striking appearance.

Plumage

The Strange-tailed Tyrant has a striking black and white plumage with breeding males showing pinkish or orangey skin on the throat. In contrast, the Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant has a more subdued grey plumage without such vivid throat coloration.

Behaviour

The Strange-tailed Tyrant is polygynous, with males holding territories for multiple females, a behavior not noted in the Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant.

Habitat

The Strange-tailed Tyrant is found in tall grasslands of southern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, while the Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant's habitat preferences are less specified in the sources.