A rare bird from South America has captured the attention of the Southeast Texas birding community after it was spotted in Galveston, making its second-ever appearance in the United States.
The cattle tyrant, a yellow-bellied flycatcher native to the Pampas, has been seen multiple times this week at Palisade Palms, a luxury condominium on East Beach, sparking excitement among local birders.
A Surprising Visitor to the U.S.
The cattle tyrant, typically non-migratory, has been recorded in the U.S. only once before—when it was spotted in downtown Corpus Christi in November 2023. This new sighting in Galveston marks only the second known appearance of this species in the country.
Wyatt Egelhoff, sanctuary manager of the Houston Audubon Society’s Clint & Mary Frances Morse Field Station, noted that the bird’s presence has caused quite a stir among the local birding community.
The bird was first seen by a resident walking her dog on Wednesday and has since been spotted on balconies on the 17th and 20th floors of the Palisade Palms building.
Theories on How the Bird Got Here
Experts are still puzzled about how these birds, native to South America, made their way so far from their natural habitat.
Some speculate that the cattle tyrants stowed away on a ship, with both Egelhoff and Greg Whittaker, general curator for Moody Gardens, suggesting that the birds may have flown off the ship as it passed through the Houston Ship Channel, just a few miles from the Palisade Palms complex.
Survival Challenges for the Adventurous Tyrant
Though the bird is currently thriving in its unusual new environment, there are concerns about its long-term survival. Whittaker noted that while the bird seems to be feeding on the upper-floor balconies of Palisade Palms, it may face challenges in the coming weeks.
As Peregrine Falcons migrate to the area for the winter, the cattle tyrant could become a target. Additionally, the bird faces the same threats as native species, such as collisions with buildings, predation by feral cats, and other avian predators.
Despite these challenges, birders are hopeful that this unusual visitor will be able to adapt and continue its stay in Galveston, as the previous cattle tyrant in Corpus Christi has managed to survive.
A Curious Addition to Galveston’s Birdwatching Scene
For now, the cattle tyrant’s presence in Galveston remains a rare and thrilling spectacle for birders, offering a glimpse of South American wildlife far from its usual home.
As experts continue to monitor the bird’s behavior and survival, only time will tell whether this adventurous flycatcher will remain a part of Galveston’s birding community for the long term.
