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Photo: © Roger Ahlman eBird S40599557 Macaulay Library ML 76822831
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Silver-beaked Tanager

Rhamphocelus carbo
Toche Negro
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Song

Silver-beaked Tanager

Appearance: The Silver-beaked Tanager is a striking bird easily recognizable by its vibrant red plumage and distinctive silver-colored bill. The male has a bright red body with black wings and tail, while the female is more subdued with a grayish body and a lighter bill.
Habitat: This tanager is found in humid forests, where it feeds on fruits, insects, and nectar. It is known to be quite social, often seen in small groups or mixed-species flocks.
Breeding: During the breeding season, the male Silver-beaked Tanager performs elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate. The female builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree or shrub, where she lays 2-3 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation status: The Silver-beaked Tanager is considered a species of Least Concern.
MALE
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Photo: © Roger Ahlman eBird S40599557 Macaulay Library ML 76822831
FEMALE
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Photo : © Illustration by Hilary Burn

Distribution

The Silver-beaked Tanager is  found in the eastern regions down to the Amazon basin. The distribution of the Silver-beaked Tanager is mainly concentrated in the humid forests and lowland areas of these regions.

Taxonomy

The Silver-beaked Tanager (Rhamphocelus carbo)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Rhamphocelus
  • Species: Rhamphocelus carbo

Vocalization

The Slver-beaked Tanager has a melodious and high-pitched song consisting of clear, whistling notes. Their vocalizations are often described as sweet and musical, with a variety of trills, chirps, and warbles. They are known for their lively and energetic calls, which they use to communicate with each other and defend their territory.