Black-backed Water Tyrant

Identification

The black-backed water tyrant is a medium-sized flycatcher measuring 13 to 14 cm in length. Both sexes share identical plumage, making identification straightforward. Adults are striking in their contrasting coloration: mostly white underparts and face offset by a black hindcrown and nape, a black back marked by a thin white band across the rump, and black wings bearing two thin white wing bars. The black tail displays variable white tips and edges on its feathers. Look for the bird's dark iris, black bill, and black legs and feet to confirm identification in the field.

Range & Habitat

This species is found across a vast region of South America, occurring in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Its range extends along eastern Peru southward through eastern Bolivia and western Paraguay to western Uruguay and Argentina, reaching as far south as Buenos Aires Province. In Brazil, its distribution is roughly bounded by west-central Amazonas, Amapá, east-central Bahia, western São Paulo State, and Mato Grosso do Sul.

The black-backed water tyrant favors marshes and shrubby areas bordering watercourses and oxbow lakes, thriving in wetland habitats from sea level to approximately 1,000 meters elevation. These birds are partial migrants, remaining in breeding areas year-round while some individuals move west and north into western Brazil, northern Bolivia, and eastern Peru during non-breeding seasons.

Behaviour & Diet

These birds are insectivores that typically forage near or on the ground and among floating and emergent vegetation, often cocking and fanning their tail while hunting. During breeding season—spanning October to February in Argentina—males perform striking aerial courtship displays. The species builds distinctive ball-shaped nests with side openings near the top, constructed from small twigs and stems lined with feathers and plant down, positioned low to the ground or low over water. Clutches contain two to three eggs, with an incubation period of 12 to 14 days and fledging occurring 10 to 15 days after hatching.

The black-backed water tyrant produces a distinctive "high, dry, very short wic" call. Nests have been recorded as targets for parasitism by shiny cowbirds.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season from October to February in Argentina offers excellent opportunities for observation and photography. The species is considered uncommon to locally fairly common throughout its range and occurs in several protected areas. Wetland habitats—particularly marshes and areas bordering oxbow lakes and watercourses—are the most promising locations. Given its wide distribution across multiple countries, travelers exploring South American wetlands, especially in Paraguay, Argentina, and eastern Bolivia, have reasonable chances of encountering this species.

Photography Tips

The black-backed water tyrant's striking black-and-white plumage provides excellent contrast for photography. Focus on capturing the bird while it forages in its characteristic posture—near water level among vegetation—as this is when it's most active and the tail-cocking behavior is most apparent. The high-elevation limit of 1,000 meters suggests accessible shooting locations without extreme altitude challenges. Early morning light in wetland habitats will best showcase the bird's contrasting plumage against water and marsh vegetation.