The capped conebill is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Northern and Central Andes
Typical Environment
Found from the Andes of Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru into western Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane forests, forest edges, and second growth with abundant epiphytes and bamboo. The species frequently forages in the mid-story and canopy, especially along edges and gaps. It also uses shrubby montane zones and mossy, stunted forest near treeline. Local movements along elevation gradients may occur following food availability.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The capped conebill is a small Andean tanager that often joins mixed-species flocks, darting through mossy branches in search of tiny prey. Its fine, conical bill excels at gleaning insects and probing epiphytes. Males show a distinctive pale forecrown ‘cap,’ which can be a reliable field mark in dim montane forest light.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks with other tanagers and flycatchers. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or small trees. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding and communicate with thin contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of sibilant notes and brief trills delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls are sharp, high tseet or tsip notes used to keep contact while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Male shows slaty-blue to bluish-gray upperparts with a blackish head and a contrasting pale forecrown ‘cap’; underparts are bluish-gray with cleaner tones on the throat and breast. Female is duller, gray-olive above and paler below, lacking the striking cap and with a faint eyebrow. Both sexes have a fine, pointed conical bill suited to gleaning. Plumage can appear darker in the shade of dense montane forest.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and moss. It often inspects epiphytes and bromeliads and may probe flowers for tiny invertebrates, occasionally taking nectar or small berries. Foraging is quick and deliberate, with frequent hovering pecks at suspended vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages in humid montane forest, especially edges, gaps, and along roads or trails with dense epiphytes. Most activity is in the mid-story to canopy, but it will drop to lower strata in shrubby areas and bamboo thickets.
