This tyrant flycatcher is found in savannah and other semi-open habitat with large trees.

The adult piratic flycatcher is 15 cm long and weighs 23 g. The upperparts are unstreaked plain brown, although the flight feathers have narrow white edges.

The head has a long whitish supercilium, a concealed yellow crown stripe, and a dusky mask through the eyes.

The underparts are whitish with touches of light yellow, besides blurred brownish streaking on the breast and flanks.

Piratic flycatchers wait on an exposed perch high in a tree, occasionally sallying out to feed on fruit (such as berries),[2] their staple diet, as well as the catkins of Cecropia and insects (such as dragonflies).