Rose-throated Becard
Pachyramphus aglaiae
Rather chunky, big-headed bird with a bushy crest. Male varies from pale gray (in drier areas) to dark slaty gray (in rainforest); pink throat patch absent in darkest rainforest birds. Female also variable, but always has bushy blackish cap. Young male looks like female with variable pink on throat. Widespread in tropical and subtropical areas in Middle America, also locally in the highlands. Favors woodland and forest edge, but also found in brushy fields, hedgerows, and most habitats with a scattering of larger trees; often at fruiting trees. Feeds rather sluggishly, often craning its head back and forth deliberately.
Identification
The most distinguishing characteristics of this bird is the rose-colored neck bib found in adult males. Males are mostly gray in color, with a contrasting darker upperside and a pale gray underside. Males also show a black crown. Females are mostly brown in color, with a rusty brown upper side, and a pale buffy underside. The crown is a dark gray, not nearly as stunning as the males. Its usual call is a mournful "seeeeuuuwww".[citation needed]
Taxonomy
The classification of the rose-throated becard was long controversial, with taxonomists arguing either that it was a cotinga or a tyrant flycatcher. However, genetic evidence indicates that it is in a separate family altogether.
- Scientific name
- Pachyramphus aglaiae
- Authority
- (Lafresnaye, 1839)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tityridae
- Genus
- Pachyramphus
Range and habitat
Rose-throated becards usually occur in riparian areas of pine-oak woodlands and evergreen forest. They breed from south-easternmost Arizona and extreme southern Texas of the United States to western Panama. Breeding is local and sporadic in the US, and becomes more regular in Mexico. Birds are normally permanent residents, but birds found in the United States generally migrate for the winter.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Most breeding activity runs from May to July, but the season may be delayed at high elevation. They make a domed, pendulous nest that hangs from a high tree branch. Three to six eggs are laid, with great variation in color including off-white, light purple, olive, and pinkish. Eggs have scrawling, spotted, markings at the larger end.<p>The becard feeds primarily on insects, which it will glean from the vegetation, but captures some in flight as well. They will also take berries and seeds.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Gray-browed Brushfinch
Arremon assimilis
This chunky bird is found in the Andes from Venezuela to Peru. It is olive above and white below with grayish flanks. The head is boldly striped with black and gray. Sexes similar. Pairs forage in the understory of montane forest, edges, and second growth, often on or very close to the ground. Typically occurs from around 1,500–3,000 m, but can locally range lower to about 500 m.
Asian Desert Warbler
Curruca nana
Sandy-brown warbler with glaring yellow eyes. Small and unobtrusive, usually skulking about in short trees and shrubbery. Inhabits a range of open habitats, including steppes, open woods, parks, and agricultural areas with scattered foliage. Whitethroats are somewhat similar in habitat and size, but are gray with heavier contrast between the underparts and upperparts.
Dark-winged Trumpeter
Psophia viridis
Large, odd-looking, charismatic terrestrial species with a small head, long legs, and almost no tail. Body is mostly black, with wing colors varying geographically from green in the west to black in the east. Usually seen in areas of well-protected humid forest and often encountered in noisy groups; usually runs away when discovered. May attend ant-swarms. Song is a loud hum, and calls when agitated are angry, cackling “tset” notes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.