Rufous-browed Peppershrike

Overview

The rufous-browed peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis) is a passerine bird in the vireo family. It is widespread and often common in woodland, forest edge, and cultivation with some tall trees from Mexico and Trinidad south to Argentina and Uruguay.

Identification

• Approximately 15 cm long and weighing 28 g, with a bull-headed shape and a thick, somewhat shrike-like bill that is blackish below and pinkish-grey above.
• Features a grey head with a strong rufous eyebrow, often tinged with brown on the crown.
• Upperparts are green, while the yellow throat and breast shade into a white belly.
• The song is a whistled phrase with the rhythm "Do you wash every week?", though variations occur by individual and range.

Habitat

This species inhabits woodland, forest edge, and cultivation with some tall trees. Its range extends from Mexico and Trinidad south to Argentina and Uruguay.

Diet

It feeds primarily on insects and spiders high in the foliage, though it has also been observed taking small lizards.

Did you know?

Like most vireos, this species actively ejects parasitic cowbird eggs from its nest.