The Lesser Shrike-Tyrant bird belongs to the family of Tyrannidae, which includes various species of flycatchers, tyrant flycatchers, and shrike-tyrants. As its name suggests, this bird species is small in size compared to its counterpart, the Great Shrike-Tyrant bird. It is mostly found in the Andean region of South America, including countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.
The Lesser Shrike-Tyrant bird is known for its unique physical features. It has a small, rounded head, a long and narrow beak, and a short tail. Its body is primarily grey above and buff or yellowish-white underneath. It has a distinctive black mask around its eyes and a white stripe above it. The male and female Lesser Shrike-Tyrant birds look similar, making it challenging to distinguish between the sexes.
These birds usually inhabit open areas, including grassy plains and scrublands, and can be found at elevations of up to 13,000 feet. They are territorial birds and often defend their space aggressively by chasing away other birds of similar sizes.
Lesser Shrike-Tyrant birds feed on insects and small vertebrates, including lizards and rodents. They usually perch on tree branches or wire fences and capture their prey in mid-air. They also feed on fruits and nectar, making them an essential pollinator in their ecosystem.
The breeding season for the Lesser Shrike-Tyrant bird varies depending on their geographic location. In the Andean region, they breed from September to February. The bird's nest is made up of fine, dry grass, and they usually attach their nest to the sides of trees, shrubs, or cacti. The female Lesser Shrike-Tyrant bird lays one to two eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them.
The Lesser Shrike-Tyrant bird faces various threats in the wild, primarily habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. Climate change has also impacted their breeding season, forcing them to migrate to new locations. They are not considered an endangered species, but conservation efforts are necessary to protect their habitat and ensure their continued survival.