This bird lives in pairs and feeds primarily on insects. It often follows grazing animals to snatch up insects they disturb, and it may even feed on flies from their faces or pick off ticks. Cattle Tyrants are not aggressive and usually avoid conflict, even when sharing nesting sites with other species. They are relatively quiet birds, vocalizing only occasionally. Both parents share the duty of feeding and protecting their chicks. It is a confident species that doesn’t shy away from humans and may breed more than once per season.

Machetornis rixosa is found in open landscapes such as grasslands, pastures, and urban areas, including large cities. Their ability to adapt makes them a familiar sight in a variety of environments.

We observed nests in Altamira, Bahia (1 nest) and Arcos, Minas Gerais (7 nests).

In Arcos, the breeding season spans from October to January, and in Altamira, from December to February.

Cattle Tyrants often reuse old nests built by other bird species such as the Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus rufifrons), Firewood Gatherer (Anumbius annumbi), Caatinga Cacholote (Pseudoseisura cristata), and Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus). They may add new materials like sticks, straw, animal hair, feathers, fabric scraps, and even snakeskin.

Nests can be found in various unusual places, such as tree forks, palm leaves, or even containers hanging in trees. Heights range from 1.7 to 5.5 meters above ground. The nest is usually spherical or cup-shaped and made of twigs, bark, and soft plant fibres, lined with softer materials like hair and feathers.