The slate-coloured grosbeak is a species of grosbeak in the family Thraupidae. Most of its range is the Amazon in South America, but it is also found in forests of the Chocó in Ecuador and Colombia, and southern Central America from Panama to Honduras.
Region
Amazon Basin and Chocó to southern Central America
Typical Environment
Occupies humid lowland forests, including terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea, as well as mature secondary forest. Most common in dense understory and midstory near fruiting trees, along forest edges, and in riverine thickets. It ranges widely across the Amazon, extends through the Chocó of Colombia and Ecuador, and reaches north through Panama to Honduras. It is generally absent from heavily degraded or open habitats, preferring intact or semi-intact forest structure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large saltator is notable for its massive, bright orange bill and uniformly slate-gray plumage, which help it crack tough seeds and fruits. It often stays in the dim understory of tall rainforest, making it more often heard than seen. Despite its size, it can be quite secretive, delivering rich whistles from concealed perches. It occurs from southern Central America through the Chocó and widely across the Amazon Basin.
Temperament
solitary and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, occasionally accompanying mixed-species flocks near fruiting trees. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low to mid-height in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with soft contact calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, mellow whistles and short phrases delivered from hidden perches. Calls include sharp chip notes and softer contact sounds, carrying well in dense forest.
Plumage
Uniformly slate-gray with a smooth, unmarked appearance and no wing bars; subtly darker on the head and upperparts.
Diet
Eats a mix of fruits, seeds, and large arthropods. Uses its powerful bill to crack hard seeds and to pluck fleshy fruits. Will also take caterpillars, beetles, and other insects gleaned from foliage. Often feeds quietly in the shaded understory and midstory.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in dense understory, vine tangles, and along forest edges near fruiting shrubs and trees. Also frequents river margins and second-growth thickets when fruit is abundant.
