The black-capped 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 Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland humid forests across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Favors terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests, as well as riverine and gallery forests. Often uses forest edges, light gaps, and secondary growth while remaining tied to extensive woodland. Forages mostly in the midstory and canopy, occasionally descending to lower levels along edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the Tityridae, the black-capped becard was formerly placed with tyrant flycatchers or cotingas before genetic work clarified its relationships. It builds a distinctive hanging, globular nest suspended from branches, often over clearings or streams. Pairs are typically quiet and unobtrusive, foraging methodically in the midstory and canopy.
Pachyramphus marginatus 1847
Temperament
quiet, unobtrusive, usually in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks while foraging. Both sexes contribute to building a suspended, globular nest of plant fibers. Clutches are small and pairs defend a modest territory within suitable forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft series of clear, whistled notes delivered at intervals, often from mid-canopy perches. Calls include gentle chips and thin whistles, carrying modestly through the forest interior.
Plumage
Male shows a neat black cap with slate-gray upperparts and pale gray to whitish underparts; wings edged pale. Female is warm brown to olive-brown above with a rufous to cinnamon crown and buffy underparts. Both sexes have a slightly hooked, broad bill with rictal bristles.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, gleaned from foliage and branches. Also performs short sallies to snatch flying insects. Will supplement diet with small fruits and berries when available, especially in edge habitats and light gaps.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid lowland forest, along edges, river margins, and in mature secondary growth. Often forages methodically from semi-open perches where it can scan leaves and twigs for prey.
