Rose-throated Becard

Rose-throated Becard
female
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Tityridae
Genus:	Pachyramphus
Species:	P. aglaiae
Binomial name
Pachyramphus aglaiae (Lafresnaye, 1839)

The Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) is a medium-sized member of the Tityridae family. Its genus, Pachyramphus, has traditionally been placed in Cotingidae or Tyrannidae, but evidence strongly suggest it is better placed in Tityridae.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

Rose-throated Becards usually occur in riparian areas of pine-oak woodlands and evergreen forest. They breed from south-easternmost Arizona and extreme southern Texas of the United States to western Panama. Breeding is local and sporadic in the USA, and becomes more regular in Mexico. Birds are normally permanent residents, but any birds found in the US do retreat for the winter.

Description

The most distinguishing characteristics of this bird is the rose-colored neck bib found in adult males. Males are mostly gray in color, with a contrasting darker upperside and a pale gray underside. Males also show a black crown. Females are mostly brown in color, with a rusty brown upperside, and a pale buffy underside. The crown is a dark gray, not nearly as stunning as the males. Its usual call is a mournful "seeeeuuuwww".

Behaviour

Breeding

They make a large foot-long globular nest, usually suspended from a tree limb. The entrance hole is found on the bottom. The female lays three to four eggs.

Feeding

The becard feeds primarily on insects, which it will glean from the vegetation, but captures some in flight as well. They will also take berries and seeds.

References

• Rose-throated Becard Images http://tsuru-bird.net/image.htm Copyright 2009 Monte M. Taylor