The black-crowned tityra is a medium-sized passerine bird. It is found in Mexico, every Central American country except El Salvador, and every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mexico through most of Central America and widely across mainland South America, absent only from Chile and Uruguay. It favors humid and semi-humid forests, forest edges, second growth, and gallery forests. The species is most often seen in the mid- to upper canopy and along river corridors. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and often persists in mosaic landscapes with scattered large trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Black-crowned tityras often forage high in the canopy and frequently visit fruiting fig trees. They nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, where both sexes participate in nest defense and feeding. Males show a sharper black cap while females tend to be duskier-headed, aiding quick field identification. A bright reddish facial skin around the eye and bill base is used in displays.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests in tree cavities, where both parents incubate and feed the young. Territorial near nest sites, with conspicuous perching and displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are coarse and nasal, including grating chatters and buzzy, wheezy notes. Calls carry well through the canopy and are often given from prominent perches.
