Mike Unwin

Dark-faced Ground-tyrant

About the Dark-faced Ground-tyrant

The Dark-faced Ground-tyrant (Muscisaxicola maclovianus) belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family (Tyrannidae). It is a small ground-dwelling bird that breeds in the southern Andes and the Falkland Islands. While the population of South America is migratory, the Falkland Islands population stays on the islands all year round.

The Dark-faced Ground Tyrant is about 16 cm (6.3 inches) long, with long legs and an upright posture. Its wings are relatively short and rounded. Its greyish-brown plumage helps it camouflage in grassy terrains.

Commonality of Dark-faced Ground-tyrants

Dark-faced Ground-tyrants are not considered rare. They can be commonly seen within their native regions.

Protection & Threats

Even though the population of the Dark-faced Ground-tyrant is decreasing, the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Some potential threats to these birds include climate change and habitat degradation.

Climate Change

Climate change threatens the populations of the Dark-faced Ground-tyrant by altering their habitats, reducing insect prey and increasing extreme weather events that disrupt their nesting and foraging areas.