The black-billed treehunter is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane evergreen and cloud forests of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. It favors dense understory, especially stands of Chusquea bamboo, vine tangles, and areas near streams and landslides. The species uses forest interiors and edges but remains close to thick cover. It is generally uncommon to fairly common where suitable bamboo understory is present.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, bamboo-loving ovenbird of the Northern Andes, the black-billed treehunter forages methodically in dark understory tangles. Its all-black bill and rufous tail stand out against otherwise dusky brown-olive plumage. It is often heard before seen, giving resonant whistles and harsh scolds as it moves through dense cloud-forest thickets.
Temperament
skulking and deliberate
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs and sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with duets and sharp calls. Nests are placed in concealed sites such as earthen banks or natural cavities with ample surrounding cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a resonant series of rich, slightly descending whistles interspersed with harsh scolding notes. Calls carry well through bamboo thickets and may be exchanged antiphonally by a pair.
Plumage
Dusky brown-olive overall with warmer rufous tones in the wings and tail; throat and upper breast can show faint buffy streaking. Feathers appear dense and slightly shaggy, aiding camouflage in shadowy understory. The heavy bill is entirely black.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods, including beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. It probes moss, leaf litter, dead wood, and bamboo culms, using its strong bill to pry and glean. Occasionally snatches prey from exposed surfaces and may flip leaves or bark to uncover hidden invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, especially in bamboo stands, vine tangles, and along shaded streambanks. Often forages from near ground level up to the mid-understory, staying close to cover.
