The pink-throated becard is a species of bird in the family Tityridae. It has traditionally been placed in Cotingidae or Tyrannidae, but evidence strongly suggests it is better placed in Tityridae, where it is now placed by the South American Classification Committee. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland tropical moist forests across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. Prefers the mid-story to canopy of terra firme and várzea (seasonally flooded) forests, and also uses gallery forests along rivers. Regular along forest edges, clearings with scattered tall trees, and secondary growth. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats but remains tied to forested landscapes. Rarely enters open country away from tree cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small tityrid of the Amazon and Guianas, the pink-throated becard is named for the male’s distinctive rosy throat. It was long shuffled between Tyrannidae and Cotingidae, but is now firmly placed in Tityridae. Pairs often build a large, globular hanging nest of fibers suspended from a branch. They frequently join mixed-species flocks in the forest canopy.
Temperament
mostly quiet, often in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft calls. They construct a large, domed hanging nest of plant fibers suspended from a branch, with both parents caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, sweet series of whistles and short trills, often delivered from a concealed perch in the canopy. Calls include gentle chips and buzzes that can be hard to detect amid insect noise.
Plumage
Compact becard with smooth, uniform plumage; males show dusky-olive to gray upperparts and a distinct pink-rosy throat and upper breast, females are warmer brown-olive above with buffy underparts and a paler pinkish wash on the throat. Both sexes often show faint pale wingbars and a slightly darker cap. The feathers are sleek and close-fitting, giving a neat, well-groomed look.
Diet
Takes a variety of arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders by gleaning and short sallies. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pause-and-peek behavior among foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy along quiet forest edges, river margins, and light gaps. Will use secondary forest and tall remnant trees in partially cleared areas, but remains near substantial cover.
