The black-and-white becard is a species of bird in the family Tityridae. It has traditionally been placed in Cotingidae or Tyrannidae, but evidence strongly suggest it is better placed in Tityridae, where it is now placed by the South American Classification Committee. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Central America and the northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica and Panama south through the Andean slopes and foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, and into western Venezuela. It favors dry to moist forests, edges, and second growth, especially in hilly and montane zones. Birds are most often found in the mid to upper canopy, where they glean prey from foliage and twigs. Local presence can be patchy, with higher densities in semi-open forest mosaics.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-and-white becard belongs to the Tityridae family, having been reclassified from Tyrannidae/Cotingidae based on modern evidence. Males are strikingly patterned in black and white, while females are much browner and more subdued. It forages methodically in the mid to upper canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks. Its domed, pendant nest is typically suspended from branches over clearings or forest edges.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are domed and pendant, suspended from outer branches, often over clearings or along forest edges. Pairs defend small territories during breeding and communicate with soft calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of soft, clear whistles and buzzy phrases, often repeated and given from mid-canopy perches. Calls include short chips and thin, rising notes used for contact within pairs.
Plumage
Male shows clean black upperparts with crisp white underparts and contrasting patterning; female is warm brown to olive-brown above with buffy to whitish underparts and less contrast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods, including caterpillars and spiders. It also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging involves deliberate gleaning from leaves and twigs, with occasional short sallies to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of dry to moist forests, edges, and second growth. Often uses semi-open habitats near forest borders and along streams or clearings.
