The white-eared conebill is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Tropical South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill habitats including humid forest edges, riverine thickets, secondary growth, and wooded clearings. It also frequents areas with abundant flowering shrubs and small trees where it can glean arthropods. In some parts of its range it uses coastal or riparian habitats, moving through tangles and canopy-level foliage. Typically found in lightly disturbed or mosaic landscapes as well as natural forest margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-eared conebill is a small tanager notable for its crisp white ear patch, which contrasts with its darker head. It forages actively in foliage and flowering shrubs, often gleaning tiny insects and probing blossoms. It frequently travels in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species flocks in the canopy and forest edge.
White-eared conebill foraging in Zulia, Venezuela
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, moving quickly through foliage. Regularly associates with mixed-species flocks to forage. Nests are likely small cup nests placed in shrub or tree cover, with both parents tending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched chips and sibilant trills delivered in short series. Song and calls are quick and subtle, often heard while the bird forages in dense foliage.
Plumage
Compact, sharp-billed conebill with a distinct white ear/cheek patch contrasting against darker head and upperparts; underparts generally paler. Females are duller and browner-olive with a less striking but still evident ear patch.
Diet
Primarily consumes small insects and other tiny arthropods, gleaned from leaves, flowers, and fine branches. It often probes blossoms and leaf clusters, occasionally taking nectar or minute fruit items opportunistically. Foraging is rapid and methodical, focusing on the outer foliage where prey is abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edges, secondary growth, riverine vegetation, and flowering shrubs and trees. Often uses the mid-story to canopy but will descend to dense tangles along forest margins and watercourses.
