The short-billed honeycreeper is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including terra firme and seasonally flooded varzea. Most often found in the canopy and along forest edges, but it also uses second-growth and riparian corridors. It forages in mixed-species flocks and may descend to midstory at fruiting trees. Human-altered habitats with flowering trees may also be visited.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tanager of the Amazon lowlands is the least long-billed member of the honeycreeper group, with a noticeably shorter, slightly decurved bill. Males are strikingly blue-black while females are greenish, a strong sexual dimorphism typical of Cyanerpes. It frequents the canopy where it sips nectar with a brush-tipped tongue and also takes fruit and insects. By visiting flowers, it likely contributes to pollination in tropical forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Cup-shaped nests are placed in foliage, and pairs are attentive around nesting sites. Displays include quick chases and soft calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tsip and tsee notes, often in quick series. Song is a light, twittering sequence of high tones, easy to overlook amid canopy noise.
