Rufous-webbed Bush-Tyrant

Cnemarchus rufipennis

Sizeable gray flycatcher of high-elevation scrub and forest edge habitats. Sometimes found in Polylepis. Ashy gray with white vent. It gets its name from the reddish brown coloration on its wings and tail feathers, often hidden when perched but easily visible in flight. Found singly or in pairs. Perches upright on the tops of bushes, snags, and rocks, dropping down to catch prey it spots; often hovers. Its call is a weak high-pitched “tree” whistle.

Taxonomy

The rufous-webbed bush tyrant was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Polioxolmis. It was moved to Cnemarchus based on the results of genetic studies published in 2020.

Scientific name
Cnemarchus rufipennis
Authority
(Taczanowski, 1874)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Tyrannidae
Genus
Cnemarchus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

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