TUFTED TIT- TYRANT

DESCRIPTION
Its main characteristic - which identifies it in the field - are its long black feathers on the head, curved forward. It does not have evident sexual dimorphism, so it is not possible to differentiate between male and female at first glance.
For an expert eye, the ornithological description would be: black headed, with the forehead, the neck, the throat and the auriculars striped in white. An even olive gray color on its back. Whitish chest and black lines crossing along the abdomen, with yellowish tints at the lower part. Blackish tail, wings, legs and bill.

ENVIRONMENT AND NOURISHMENT
In South America it is located on the western slope of the Andes, from Colombia to the south. In Chile, its distribution begins at Antofagasta, covering the archipelagos of
Patagonia up to Cape Horn. In Tierra del Fuego it is possible to observe this species near Seno Almirantazgo and the coasts of the Beagle Channel.
Its habitat is varied, including scrub in valleys and semi-arid slopes in the foothills, bushy areas, and dense moist forests (south central Chile), Patagonian steppe and even cities and gardens.
It mainly feeds on insects, but its diet also includes fruits and seeds.

PROCREATION
Its reproductive season extends between August and January. Usually it lays 2 or 3 eggs, which are yellowish cream colored.
Generally, it nests in shrubs and bushes with large foliage. The nest is cup-shaped, this one is built on lichens, branches, grass blades, root fibers, feathers, and other soft plant materials that the bird goes padding inside.

THREATS TO SURVIVAL
There are no described threats to the species.

CONSERVATION
According to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this species is in category LC (Least Concern). In Chile it does not have a conservation classification.