The red-billed pied tanager is a species of bird in the family Mitrospingidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru and Suriname. Placed in family Thraupidae, the "true" tanagers, for over two centuries, the International Ornithological Committee reclassified this species to Mitrospingidae in 2018.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforests of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Most frequent in terra firme forest but also uses edges, riverine corridors, and tall secondary growth. It typically remains in the canopy and subcanopy, descending opportunistically to fruiting trees. Often participates in canopy mixed-species flocks, moving widely while foraging.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking black-and-white canopy bird with a bright red bill, the red-billed pied tanager travels high in mixed-species flocks across the Amazon and Guianas. Once placed with the true tanagers (Thraupidae), it was reassigned to the family Mitrospingidae in 2018. It forages methodically among foliage and twigs, often gleaning insects and taking small fruits. Its bold contrast makes it surprisingly conspicuous when it descends toward forest edges or fruiting trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy crowns
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups that join mixed-species canopy flocks. Nests are placed high in trees; breeding appears to coincide with local rainy-season resource peaks. Pairs maintain contact calls while foraging and may defend small areas around favored fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and sibilant notes, delivered from the canopy. Calls include sharp tsip and soft chatter used to keep contact within flocks.
