Habitat
Edge of semi-humid forest, in montane scrub, on shrubby arid hillsides, and in riparian thickets. From 1,400 - 2,850 m, occasionally up to 3,300 m.
Western slope of western Andes from Piura south to Ancash, in north-western Peru.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat clearance and degradation of montane scrub and riparian thickets, in conjunction with overgrazing are possibly the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Call is a thin 'tchiitt', sometimes extending into a soft, descending trill lasting 1-3 seconds 'tchiitt-chtt-t-t-t-t-t-t-t'.
Piura Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca piurae) [XC36578]
by Hans Matheve from Abra Porculla, Piura, Peru (song)
Piura Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca piurae) [XC41036]
by Willem-Pier Vellinga from 5km west of Abra Porculla, Lambayeque, Peru (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Probably forms a superspecies with White-browed Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca leucophrys), and sometimes considered conspecific.
Similar Species
White-browed Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca leucophrys) is much larger and has weaker wing-bars, Jelski's Chat-Tyrant (Silvicultrix jelskii) has yellow rather than white frontal area.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet