The giant conebill is a small passerine bird, one of the tanager family. It is closely related to the regular conebills Conirostrum though it differs in its larger size and nuthatch-like foraging habits.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in high-elevation Polylepis and mixed scrub woodlands of southern Peru and western Bolivia. It favors open to moderately dense stands, especially along edges, rocky slopes, and ravines where Polylepis trunks and larger limbs provide flaking bark. It will use adjacent high puna scrub when near Polylepis. Human-altered mosaics with remnant trees can also support small populations.
Altitude Range
3200–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The giant conebill is a high-Andean tanager specialized foraging in Polylepis woodlands, where it creeps along trunks and pries at bark like a nuthatch. Its survival is closely tied to these rare, fragmented trees, making it a flagship for Andean forest restoration. It was long considered allied to the smaller conebills (Conirostrum) but is distinct in size, structure, and behavior.
Temperament
active and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks near Polylepis stands. Territories are defended around key foraging trees. Nests are placed in dense clumps or cavities within Polylepis where available, with both parents caring for young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high, tinkling notes and short trills delivered from mid to upper branches. Calls include sharp, squeaky chips used to keep contact while foraging along trunks.
