Rose-throated Becard

Overview

The rose-throated becard, Pachyramphus aglaiae, is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the family Tityridae. It is distinguished as the only member of its family that occurs regularly within the United States.

Identification

• Males are predominantly gray with a dark crest and a characteristic rose-colored neck bib, though the latter is absent in certain rainforest populations.
• Females feature a dark crest with rusty-brown upperparts and pale buffy underparts.
• The bird appears large-headed with a stout bill.
• Song consists of short, sliding, two-noted calls, accompanied by a unique piercing cry.

Habitat

This species inhabits riparian woodland, forest edges, hedgerows, and moist subtropical forests, favoring semi-open areas scattered with larger trees such as cottonwoods. Its range extends from southeasternmost Arizona and extreme southern Texas across Central America to western Panama, where it is a widespread year-round resident.

Diet

As an omnivore, the rose-throated becard primarily consumes insects gleaned from vegetation or caught on the wing, supplemented by fruit, berries, and seeds. Foraging behaviour involves moving the head back and forth in a slow and deliberate manner.

Did you know?

The specific epithet aglaiae honours Aglaé Brelay, the wife of the French naturalist and hair merchant Charles Brelay. Additionally, the generic name Pachyramphus derives from Ancient Greek meaning 'stout bill'.