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.
 
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) [XC297068]
by id from Quebrada Frejolillo - Piura, Peru (call)
Piura Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca piurae) [XC158124]
by Nick Athanas from Porculla Pass, 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.