The cone-billed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Cerrado of central Brazil
Typical Environment
It inhabits gallery forests and seasonally flooded riparian woodlands embedded in the Cerrado savanna. The species favors dense thickets and forest edges along rivers, oxbow lakes, and swampy depressions with a multi-layered understory. It also uses secondary growth and palm-dominated patches near water. Foraging typically occurs from the understory to mid-canopy, especially where fruiting shrubs and insect prey are abundant.
Altitude Range
200–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Once known only from a single 1938 specimen, the cone-billed tanager was dramatically rediscovered in Brazil in 2003. It remains extremely localized in the Cerrado biome, where loss and degradation of gallery forests pose ongoing threats. The male’s stark black-and-white plumage and pale, heavy conical bill make it distinctive. Conservation attention on riparian woodlands is key to its survival.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often observed singly, in pairs, or small family groups moving quietly through dense riverside vegetation. Breeding biology is poorly documented, but like many tanagers it is assumed to nest in dense foliage near the understory. Territorial behavior around high-quality riparian thickets has been noted.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, clear whistles delivered in short phrases from semi-concealed perches. Calls include soft chips and high, sibilant notes, often given while foraging.
Plumage
Male sharply contrasting black above with white underparts and clean edges; female duller brownish to grayish with paler underparts. Plumage appears smooth and sleek, with limited streaking. A pale, heavy conical bill is prominent in both sexes.
Diet
Consumes small fruits and berries complemented by insects and other arthropods. Gleans insects from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies short distances to snatch prey. Fruits from shrubs and riparian trees constitute an important seasonal resource.
Preferred Environment
Forages along gallery-forest edges, dense riverine thickets, and secondary growth near water. Often concentrates where fruiting shrubs are abundant and insect activity is high.
