The black-capped donacobius is a conspicuous, vocal South American bird and the only bird in the genus Donacobius and family Donacobiidae. It is distributed across the northern half of South America.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Found widely across the Amazon and Orinoco basins, the Guianas, and adjacent wetlands including parts of the Pantanal. Prefers freshwater marshes, swamps, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving river margins with dense emergent vegetation. It frequents stands of reeds, cattails, and aquatic grasses, often perching conspicuously atop stems. Also uses seasonally flooded varzea edges and backwaters with floating mats of vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-capped donacobius is the sole member of both its genus and the family Donacobiidae. It is famous for loud antiphonal duets by mated pairs, often accompanied by tail-fanning displays. Cooperative breeding occurs, with offspring from previous broods helping defend territory and feed nestlings.
Temperament
social and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that defend linear territories along marsh edges. Pairs perform synchronized duets and visual displays while advertising territory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in reeds or shrubs over water, with helpers occasionally assisting in rearing young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Duets are loud, rhythmic, and antiphonal, with the pair alternating harsh chacks, whistles, and gurgling notes. Calls carry far over marshes and are often accompanied by tail-fanning and wing-flicking.
