The cinereous becard is a species of bird in the family Tityridae, the tityras, becards, and allies. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and possibly Ecuador.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern South America into southern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama into northern South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and much of Amazonian Brazil, extending into Peru and locally Ecuador. It favors lowland tropical forests, edges, riverine gallery forests, and tall second growth. Often found along clearings and streams where canopy gaps provide foraging perches. Avoids the darkest forest interior but uses midstory to canopy strata.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small becard shows marked sexual dimorphism: males are mostly gray while females are warm rufous-brown. It builds a neat, domed, pendant nest with a side entrance suspended from branches. Often seen at forest edges and in second growth, it frequently joins mixed-species flocks and hawks insects from exposed perches.
Temperament
mostly solitary or in pairs, quietly alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low-to-mid canopy flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, occasionally accompanying mixed-species flocks. Pairs defend small territories and communicate with soft calls. The species builds a domed, pendant nest from plant fibers and tends to be seasonally monogamous, with both sexes participating in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of soft, clear whistles delivered from a perch, often repeated with slight pauses. Calls include thin, sibilant chips and short buzzy notes used in contact and alarm.
