Fauna
Bird

Masked Water-Tyrant

Fluvicola nengeta

Masked water-tyrants are conspicuous, bold flycatchers commonly seen foraging along the open water margins of lakes, ponds, and urban parks. They strut deliberately across mudflats and floating mats of vegetation, pumping their tails as they scan for emerging insects and small aquatic invertebrates. Both partners work together to build bulky, domed nests of twigs and grasses lined with soft feathers, often placed in low bushes overhanging water.

WetlandFlycatcherDistinctive Mask
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMayflies, Midges, Beetles
Predators
  • Raptors
  • Snakes
  • Domestic cats
ThreatsWetland drainage, water pollution, and urban sprawl
HabitatsFreshwater wetlands, riverbanks, lake margins, and wet urban lawns
Life span5–8 years
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyTyrannidae
  3. GenusFluvicola
  4. SpeciesFluvicola nengeta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Look Along Shallows: Scan mudflats, floating vegetation, and lawn edges near open water.
  • Watch for Tail-Pumping: Spot them by their constant, rhythmic tail-pumping motion while walking.
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