Tyrant-flycatchers (Tyrannidae)

Lesser Shrike-tyrant (Agriornis murinus) - HBW 9, p. 396

French: Gaucho souris German: Kleinhakentyrann Spanish: Gaucho Chico
Other common names: Least/Mouse-brown Shrike-tyrant

Taxonomy: P[epoaza] Murina d’Orbigny and Lafresnaye, 1837, Río Negro, Argentina.
Formerly placed in Xolmis by some authors on grounds of shared behavioural traits and morphological similarities, but nowadays normally included in present genus, which it closely resembles in plumage colour and pattern; this species appears to be somewhat intermediate between the two genera, thus supporting their possible merging; further study required. Monotypic.

Distribution: Breeds in NW & SC Argentina (Catamarca, Tucumán and La Rioja, and from Neuquén, Río Negro and SW Buenos Aires S to Santa Cruz; may also breed in intervening zone); winters N as far as C Bolivia.