The barred becard is a small passerine bird in the family Tityridae, the tityras, becards, and allies. It is found in Costa Rica, Panama, and in South America from Venezuela to Bolivia.
Region
Central America and the Northern to Central Andes
Typical Environment
Found in humid montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, typically within dense, mossy growth. It favors the mid-story and canopy, often along ridges and in ravines with abundant epiphytes. The species can tolerate secondary growth near mature forest but is most numerous in intact montane habitats. It often accompanies mixed-species foraging flocks along forest strata.
Altitude Range
800–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The barred becard is a small tityrid of humid montane forests, often staying high in the mid-story to canopy. Males show striking black-and-white barring, while females are warmer brown with subtler barring. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and builds a globular, mossy hanging nest. The species ranges from Costa Rica and Panama south through the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia.
Temperament
quiet, methodical, and often inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks. Builds a globular, hanging nest of moss and plant fibers suspended from branches. Both sexes participate in nesting duties, with a small clutch typical of montane passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin, whistled phrases, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include high, sibilant notes and gentle chips that can be hard to locate in dense foliage.
Plumage
Fine barred pattern on underparts with contrasting darker head; upperparts gray to slate in males, warmer brown in females. Wings show faint pale edging, and the tail is moderately long with subtle barring.
Diet
Takes a variety of insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and small branches. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is scarce. Occasionally sallies short distances to catch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid-story to canopy of humid montane forest and edges. Often forages along vine tangles, epiphyte-laden branches, and mixed-species flocks’ foraging routes.
