Hooded Gnateater

Conopophaga roberti

Chunky little bird with long legs. Males have a black head and breast, while females have a rusty-brown head, white throat, and light gray underparts. Note the prominent white eyebrow. Occurs in the dense understory of both humid and dry forests, where it is normally shy and retiring. The song is a loud, fast, ascending series that ends abruptly.

Identification

The hooded gnateater is 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in) long. Seven specimens that included both sexes weighed between 20.8 and 25.0 g (0.73 and 0.88 oz). The male's head, neck, and lower breast are black except for a small white tuft behind the eye. Its upper parts are brown, the flanks are gray, and the belly is white. The female has an extensive rufous crown, brown back, and pale gray face, throat, and underside.

Taxonomy

The hooded gnateater is monotypic.

Scientific name
Conopophaga roberti
Authority
Hellmayr, 1905
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Conopophagidae
Genus
Conopophaga

Range and habitat

The hooded gnateater is found in northeastern Brazil south of the Amazon River in eastern Pará through much of Maranhão and Piauí into western Ceará. In elevation it ranges from sea level to approximately 300 m (980 ft). It inhabits primary forest and mature secondary forest, both evergreen and seasonally dry. It prefers dense vegetation.

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

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