The bearded bellbird, also known as the campanero or anvil-bird, is a passerine bird which occurs in northern South America. The male is about 28 cm (11 in) long with white plumage apart from a brown head and black wings. At his throat hang several black, unfeathered wattles. The female is a little smaller with olive-green head and upper parts, yellow underparts streaked with green and a yellow vent area. The male has a loud, repeated metallic hammering call, as well as various other vocalisations.
Region
Northern South America and Trinidad
Typical Environment
Found in Trinidad and Tobago and on the mainland in Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, often favoring forest edges, gaps, and ridges. Birds spend much of their time high in the canopy but will descend to midstory fruiting trees. They also occur in well-wooded hills and selectively logged forests where fruiting resources remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bearded bellbird is famed for its piercing, bell-like call that can carry over long distances in the forest. Males display from prominent perches, dramatically swinging their long black throat wattles while calling. They are important seed dispersers, swallowing fruits whole and passing viable seeds. Females alone build the nest and rear the young.
First identified bearded bellbird nest and egg, held by Dr. Wilbur Downs
First identified bearded bellbird nest and egg, Cumaca, Trinidad
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, perch-to-perch flights
Social Behavior
Males call from exposed canopy perches to attract females and may display in loose, widely spaced leks. They defend display sites and can be aggressive toward intruding males. Females construct a small, flimsy cup nest alone and provide all parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male’s call is a loud, metallic bell-like note delivered in repeated series, often described as hammer-on-anvil in quality. Additional clicks, clinks, and harsher notes may accompany displays. The ringing notes can dominate the soundscape over considerable distances.
