The pearly-breasted conebill is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found patchily along large white-water rivers and seasonally flooded varzea in Peru, western Brazil, and northern Bolivia. Prefers young, early-successional river-island scrub and edges with abundant Cecropia and other pioneer trees. Frequently uses tall riverside thickets, secondary growth, and floating vegetation mats. It typically forages in mid to upper canopy along river margins where insect prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pearly-breasted conebill is a small tanager specialized for early-successional river-edge habitats, especially on Amazonian river islands and varzea. It often forages with mixed-species flocks high in Cecropia and other pioneer trees. Its dependence on dynamic river systems makes it vulnerable to damming and river regulation. Careful surveys are needed because it can be easily overlooked in dense riverside vegetation.
Temperament
active and somewhat furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between river-edge shrubs and canopy perches
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Nests are placed well above water in dense riverside vegetation to avoid seasonal flooding. Territorial defense is modest, with pairs maintaining small feeding areas along river margins.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of tseet and tsee notes, delivered rapidly from canopy perches. Calls are quiet and sibilant, making the species easy to miss amid river noise.
Plumage
Subtle, smooth plumage with darker gray-olive upperparts and a contrasting pale, pearly whitish breast fading to buffy underparts; fine, pointed bill.
Diet
Primarily takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, flower clusters, and twigs. It occasionally sips nectar or takes tiny fruits when available, especially in pioneer vegetation. Foraging is agile, with frequent probing of seedheads and catkins along river-edge plants.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in early-successional river-island scrub, tall Cecropia stands, and dense varzea edges. Often works the mid to upper canopy layers and outer foliage where insect density is high.
