Toche Negro
Silver-beaked Tanager
Rhamphocelus carbo
Song
Silver-beaked Tanager
Appearance: The Silver-beaked Tanager is a striking bird found in Colombia. It is 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
FEMALE
Distribution
The Silver-beaked Tanager is primarily found in the easthern regions of Colombia 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 silver-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.
