Capped Conebill

Overview

The capped conebill, Conirostrum albifrons, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is suspected to be decreasing.

Identification

• Males exhibit distinct plumage variations, with 'albifrons' group males having a white crown, slaty-black face and breast, and liberty blue shoulder and tail, while 'atrocyaneum' group males feature a deep blue cap, back, wing, and tail.
• Females display a light blue crown, blue-grey head, dark yellow body, and olive back and wings.
• The bird measures 13-14 cm in length and weighs between 11.7 and 21.5 g.
• Both sexes possess a slightly-curved black bill and grey legs.

Habitat

Found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, the species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest. Its range extends from a separate population in Venezuela through the Andes into the Yungas of Peru and Bolivia, typically at elevations of 2000-2800 m in tropical montane cloud forest.

Did you know?

The genus name Conirostrum is derived from the Latin words 'conus' and 'rostrum', meaning cone and beak respectively.