Fire Eyed Diucon

A conspicuous species, the fire-eyed diucon can be commonly observed perched in the open, scanning the surroundings for insects and other invertebrates. Prey is caught on the wing or snatched from the ground during short, swift flights from a nearby perch (3) (4). Breeding takes place between September and December, with the female creating a small nest from twigs and grass, lined with feathers and hair, which is placed in a tree or bush (3). During nesting, the fire-eyed diucon is occasionally the victim of brood parasitism. The shiny cowbird lays its eggs in this species' nest (5), which are then unwittingly incubated and brooded by the adult fire-eyed diucon, often to the detriment of its own offspring (5) (6).

While there are currently no specific conservation measures in place for the fire-eyed diucon (1), it is likely to be present in several protected areas throughout its range (7).

The common name of this bird derives from its striking bright red eyes, which provide a colourful contrast against the relatively dull grey plumage. The fire-eyed diucon's upperparts are uniform dark grey, with darker wings, while the underparts are pale greyish white, with a whiter throat, lightly streaked with grey (2).

The fire-eyed diucon occupies woodland edges, as well as shrubby clearings (2).

The fire-eyed diucon is found in central and southern Chile and adjacent southern Argentina, as far south as Tierra del Fuego (2). Breeding populations are also found on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (1). While most populations are resident at a single location throughout the year, populations from the southern part of this species' range migrate northwards in the winter (3).

Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).

There are currently no major threats to the fire-eyed diucon's survival. It has a large range and is considered to be common in many locations (1).

The fire-eyed diucon (Pyrope pyrope) is a passerine bird of South America belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Pyrope.

It is 19–21 cm long. The upperparts are mainly plain grey. The underparts are pale grey with white throat and undertail-coverts. The eyes are bright coral-red, for which the bird is named.

It is found in central and southern Chile, southwestern Argentina, and Tierra del Fuego. Vagrant birds have occurred just eastwards of Tierra del Fuego in the Falkland Islands.