Streamer-tailed Tyrant vs Strange-tailed Tyrant

In short

The Streamer-tailed Tyrant and Strange-tailed Tyrant are both striking flycatchers with elongated tails, but they can be distinguished by tail structure and plumage details. The Streamer-tailed Tyrant has long, thin tail streamers, while the Strange-tailed Tyrant's outer tail feathers are broad and streamer-like, with bare bases. Breeding males of the Strange-tailed Tyrant also show distinctive pinkish or orangey throat skin.

Identification tips

• Tail structure: The Streamer-tailed Tyrant has long, thin tail streamers, while the Strange-tailed Tyrant's outer tail feathers are broad and streamer-like with bare bases.
• Throat skin: Look for pinkish or orangey throat skin in breeding males of the Strange-tailed Tyrant.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Strange-tailed Tyrants are typically in tall grasslands, while Streamer-tailed Tyrants are in more varied open areas.
• Behavior: Note any polygynous behavior, which is characteristic of the Strange-tailed Tyrant.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized tyrant flycatchers.

Plumage

The Streamer-tailed Tyrant is primarily black and white, similar to the Strange-tailed Tyrant. However, the Strange-tailed Tyrant's breeding males have exposed pinkish or orangey skin on the throat, which is absent in the Streamer-tailed Tyrant.

Behaviour

The Strange-tailed Tyrant is polygynous, with males maintaining territories where multiple females breed. This behavior is not noted for the Streamer-tailed Tyrant.

Habitat

The Strange-tailed Tyrant is found in tall grasslands of southern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, while the Streamer-tailed Tyrant is more widespread in open areas, including savannas and marshes.