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Overview
Red-and-black grosbeak

Red-and-black grosbeak

Wikipedia

The red-and-black grosbeak is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin

Typical Environment

Occurs in northern South America, including Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and southern Venezuela. Prefers mature lowland humid forest, especially terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea with dense understory. Often keeps to shaded thickets along streams, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. Generally forages at low to mid-levels, moving quietly through vine tangles and sapling layers.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm
Wing Span23–27 cm
Male Weight0.034 kg
Female Weight0.031 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Despite its striking coloration, the red-and-black grosbeak is a shy forest bird that keeps to dense understory, making it more often heard than seen. Its powerful conical bill allows it to crush hard seeds and husk fruits, and it also takes insects opportunistically. Pairs are usually discreet and maintain small territories within mature lowland rainforest. The species occurs across the Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low darting flights between cover

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs within dense forest understory. Pairs maintain small territories and may accompany mixed-species flocks peripherally. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes likely participate in parental care as in related cardinalids.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp metallic tik notes and soft chup contact calls.

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