About Knipolegus nigerrimus (Vieillot, 1818)
Knipolegus nigerrimus, commonly called the velvety black tyrant, measures 17.5 to 18 cm (6.9 to 7.1 inches) in length. Adult males of the nominate subspecies are almost entirely glossy blue-black, with a small bushy crest. The bases of their primary wing feathers are white; this marking is clearly visible when the bird is in flight, but usually cannot be seen when the bird is at rest. Adult females are also mostly glossy blue-black. They do not have a crest, and instead have a black-streaked chestnut throat. The subspecies K. n. hoflingae is smaller than the nominate subspecies. Males of this subspecies have brown primary feathers, and females have a smaller throat patch than nominate females. Both sexes of both subspecies have a dark red iris, a pale bluish gray bill, and black legs and feet. The velvety black tyrant has a disjunct distribution. The nominate subspecies occurs in southeastern Brazil, ranging from Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo south to Rio Grande do Sul. Subspecies K. n. hoflingae is found further north, in eastern Brazil between Pernambuco and central Bahia. This species inhabits montane grasslands, most often those with rocky areas and scattered trees and shrubs that it tends to stay near. Most of its population is found at elevations between 1,800 and 2,700 m (5,900 and 8,900 ft), though local populations can occur as low as 700 m (2,300 ft).
