En bref

• Scientific Name: Colonia colonus
• Spanish Name: Tirano colilargo
• Famille : Tyrannidae
• Known Nicknames: Long-tailed Tyrant, Fork-tailed Tyrant
• Average Length: 26–30 cm / 10–12 in (including tail)
• Average Weight: 20–28 g / 0.7–1.0 oz
• Envergure : N/A
• Key Feature: Extremely long, forked black tail feathers, twice the length of the body
• Régime alimentaire principal : Insectivore
• Range: Central and South America (Honduras to northern Argentina)
• Habitat: Forest edges, clearings, and second-growth woodland
• Structure sociale : Solitaires ou en couples
• Nesting/Breeding: Tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes
• Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
• Évolution démographique : Stable

The Long-tailed Tyrant (*Colonia colonus*) is a striking passerine bird native to lowland forests of Central and South America, instantly recognizable by its most dramatic feature: the male’s extraordinarily elongated, filamentous central tail feathers, which can extend more than three times the length of its body and stream behind it like a pair of black ribbons. This tyrant-flycatcher has a compact, dark grey body contrasted by a pure white crown and throat, with the female lacking the extravagant tail but sharing the crisp white cap. A special behavioral trait is its habit of sallying from exposed perches to snatch insects mid-air, often returning to the same spot while its lengthy tail undulates gracefully. Despite its regal name, the species is not aggressive, and its unique aerial display, combined with its stark black-and-white plumage, makes it a memorable sight in the canopy, where it often associates with mixed-species flocks.

Faits amusants

Despite its name, the Long-tailed Tyrant’s extravagant tail—which can be three times the length of its body—isn’t used for flight display or courtship; instead, it likely serves as a counterbalance during its acrobatic sallies after insects. This bird has a bizarre habit of perching almost vertically on slender, exposed branches, looking like a living exclamation point. It also engages in “tail-pumping,” rhythmically bobbing its long tail up and down even while stationary, a behavior thought to startle prey into moving. Another quirky trait: it often builds its nest in abandoned woodpecker holes or termite mounds, lining the entrance with snake skin—possibly to deter predators.

Habitats et répartition

The Long-tailed Tyrant inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, primarily within the Amazon basin and the Atlantic Forest of South America. It is most commonly found in forest edges, clearings, and areas with scattered tall trees, often near water bodies, from sea level up to about 1,000 meters in elevation. Its geographical range extends from eastern Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and across much of Brazil, with isolated populations also occurring in northeastern Argentina and eastern Paraguay.

Comportements & Reproduction

The Long-tailed Tyrant is generally solitary or found in pairs, with a social structure centered on a monogamous bond that often persists across multiple breeding seasons. Mating begins with the male performing a conspicuous aerial display, where he flutters his elongated tail feathers while calling to attract a female. After pair formation, both sexes collaborate to build a cup-shaped nest, typically placed in a tree cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole, using soft plant fibers and spider webs. The female lays a clutch of two to three eggs, which she incubates alone for roughly 16 to 18 days. During this period, the male guards the territory and brings food to the incubating female. Once the chicks hatch, both parents share feeding duties, delivering insects directly to the nestlings. A unique reproductive strategy is the species’ reliance on pre-existing cavities, which reduces energy expenditure on nest construction and may allow for earlier breeding in the season. Fledging occurs after about 18 to 21 days, and the young remain dependent on their parents for several weeks before dispersing.

Alimentation

The Long-tailed Tyrant (Colonia colonus) is an insectivorous bird, meaning its diet consists almost entirely of insects and other small arthropods. It is a classic "sit-and-wait" predator, typically perching on an exposed branch or treetop in the canopy, from which it launches into short, agile flights to catch flying insects like flies, bees, wasps, and beetles mid-air. Interestingly, this species often forages in mixed-species flocks, taking advantage of insects flushed out by the movement of other birds, and it is known to sometimes consume small berries or fruits as a minor supplement, especially when insect prey is scarce.

Couleurs

The Long-tailed Tyrant is predominantly black with a striking white cap on its head, forming a contrasting crown. Its long, deeply forked tail is black, and it has a small white patch on the wing. This bold black-and-white coloration provides disruptive camouflage against the dappled light of its forest habitat.

Distribution Map

Places linked to this species. A sighting is never guaranteed.

Détails de l'attraction

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