Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant

The Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant is a medium-sized flycatcher with a sturdy build, upright posture, and a short, hooked bill suited for sallying after insects. Its plumage is a mix of earthy browns and rufous tones, with a pale streaked throat, grayish crown, and warm cinnamon belly that contrasts with darker wings and tail. The species often perches conspicuously on exposed branches or wires, scanning for prey with a watchful, alert demeanor. Though not brightly colored, its subtle patterning and confident stance make it a distinctive presence in Ecuador’s high-elevation shrublands and forest edges.

The Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant is an uncommon but widespread resident of Ecuador’s Andean highlands, typically found between 1,700 and 3,700 meters elevation. It occurs singly or in pairs along forest edges, landslide scars, shrubby pastures, and roadside clearings, often perching conspicuously on exposed branches or wires. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population across its fragmented range from Colombia to northern Peru. Natural history observations highlight its preference for semi-open habitats, its insectivorous diet, and its distinctive plumage—marked by a streaked white throat and rufous belly—that helps distinguish it from similar bush-tyrants.