Giant Conebill

Overview

The giant conebill (Conirostrum binghami) is a small passerine bird in the tanager family. It is closely related to regular conebills but is distinguished by its larger size and nuthatch-like foraging habits. The species is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• 15 cm long and weighing 22–27 g.
• Grey plumage above with deep chestnut below.
• Features a white patch on the cheeks.

Habitat

Found in the Andes from Colombia to Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia. It inhabits Polylepis trees of the family Rosaceae. Population decline is attributed to the destruction and fragmentation of Polylepis woodland.

Diet

It peels bark off Polylepis trees to find insects. It also consumes aphids and sugary solutions secreted by Gynoxys.

Did you know?

The specific epithet binghami was chosen to honour Hiram Bingham. Both parents share the duties of incubating eggs, feeding chicks, and removing fecal sacs.