Montero Piquirrojo
Gray-hooded Bush-tanager
Cnemoscopus rubrirostris
Song
Gray-hooded Bush-tanager
Appearance: The Gray-hooded Bush-tanager is a small to medium-sized bird, around 15 cm (6 in) in length. It has a gray hood covering its head. The rest of its body is olive-green, with some variations depending on the subspecies. It has a notable reddish or orange bill, which contrasts with its gray head. It often has a subtle white or light-colored throat.
Habitat: This species is found in the Andes mountains of the country; It inhabits montane forests, in cloud forests, and humid subtropical or tropical moist montane environments. It can be found at elevations ranging from 2000 to 3000 meters.
Behavior: The Gray-hooded Bush-tanager feeds on insects and other small arthropods, but it may also consume fruits and seeds. It is often seen in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species foraging flocks. It has a variety of calls and songs, which are used for communication within groups and during the breeding season.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the Gray-hooded Bush-tanager are not extensively documented; it ibuilds cup-shaped nests. Breeding involves the female laying a small clutch of eggs, which are incubated for a period before hatching.
Conservation Status: The Gray-hooded Bush-tanager is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
The Gray-hooded Bush-tanager is a bird species found in the Andean regions (Western, Central, and Eastern cordilleras). Its distribution is concentrated in the montane forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane environments. These birds are found at elevations ranging from about 1500 to 3400 m above sea level.
Taxonomy
The Gray-hooded Bush-tanager (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Cnemoscopus
- Species: Cnemoscopus rubrirostris
Vocalization
Contact Calls: Short, simple notes used to maintain contact between members of a pair or a flock.
Alarm Calls: Sharp, rapid notes that signal the presence of predators or other threats.
Song: A more complex and melodious series of notes used by males to establish territory and attract mates.
Purpose
Territorial Defense: Males use songs to establish and defend their territory from other males. Singing helps to delineate boundaries and reduce physical confrontations.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, males sing to attract females. The complexity and frequency of the song can indicate the health and vitality of the singer, influencing mate choice.
Communication: Vocalizations facilitate communication between individuals, helping to coordinate activities such as foraging, flock movements, and nesting.
Alarm Signaling: Alarm calls alert other tanagers and nearby birds to potential dangers, allowing them to take evasive action.
