The black-billed peppershrike is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is found in the Andes of Colombia and northern Ecuador. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andes of Colombia south into northern Ecuador, primarily in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors forest edges, secondary woodland, and tall, partially degraded forest where dense foliage provides cover. Birds forage from the midstory to the canopy, occasionally descending to edges and clearings. The species can persist in mosaic landscapes if some tree cover remains, but is scarcer in heavily deforested areas.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This peppershrike is a canopy and midstory specialist that is often heard before seen, delivering rich whistles and scolding notes from dense foliage. Its solid dark bill and lack of a strong rufous eyebrow help separate it from the widespread Rufous-browed Peppershrike. It readily joins mixed-species flocks in Andean forests and tolerates lightly degraded habitats. Nests are typically neat cup structures suspended from forked branches.
Black-billed peppershrike in Antioquia Department, Colombia
Temperament
quiet and skulking in dense foliage
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest suspended from a forked branch. Territorial singing is common during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of rich, whistled phrases interspersed with harsh scolds. Repertoire is varied, with repeated motifs that carry well through montane forest.
