The one-colored becard is a species of bird in the family Tityridae. It has traditionally been placed in Cotingidae or Tyrannidae, but evidence strongly suggest it is better placed in Tityridae, where it is now placed by the South American Classification Committee.
Region
Chocó–Darién and western Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama (Darién) through western Colombia and western Ecuador to extreme northwestern Peru. Favors humid lowland and foothill forests, including mature forest, edges, and tall secondary growth. Most frequently encountered in the middle to upper canopy, where it moves deliberately through foliage. It adapts moderately well to lightly disturbed habitats but declines with heavy deforestation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the Tityridae, the one-colored becard is a fairly plain, canopy-dwelling bird of humid forests from eastern Panama to northwestern Peru. It often forages quietly in pairs or small mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects and picking small fruits. Like other becards, it builds a large, domed, hanging nest suspended from branches. Its subdued plumage and soft, whistled calls can make it easy to overlook despite being locally fairly common.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging in the canopy. Builds a large, domed, hanging nest suspended from high branches; both sexes may participate in nest construction. Parental care is shared, with discreet nesting behavior.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, thin whistles and weak trills delivered from mid to upper canopy perches. Calls include quiet burry notes and sharp, understated chips used to keep contact in dense foliage.
Plumage
Plain, smooth-textured plumage with minimal wing markings; overall uniform tone compared to other becards.
Diet
Takes a mix of arthropods and small fruits, making short sallies to snatch prey and gleaning from leaves and twigs. Insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and small orthopterans are common prey. Berries and small drupes from canopy trees are eaten regularly, especially outside peak insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid to upper canopy of humid forest and tall secondary growth. Frequently works along edges, vine tangles, and fruiting trees where prey and berries are concentrated.
