Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #57

By Jim Gain

7/30/2023

• Scientific Name: Pachyramphus aglaiae
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Cabezón Degollado
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: RTBE
• Family: Tityridae – Tityras and Allies
• Order: Passeriformes – Perching Birds

About this Species

The Rose-throated Becard is a small, brightly colored bird species found in Belize and other parts of Central America. 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 upper side, and a pale buffy underside. The crown is a dark gray, not nearly as stunning as the males.

The Rose-throated Becard is distributed throughout the lowlands of Belize, from sea level up to around 500 meters in elevation. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, secondary growth, and edges of clearings. They are often observed perching in the open, where they can easily be seen and heard singing their songs.

The natural history of the Rose-throated Becard is not well studied, but they are known to feed on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates such as lizards. They are also known to nest in tree cavities, and both parents participate in caring for their young. This species is not considered threatened or endangered, but like many bird species, it may be vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities.

>> Next Post on Tuesday, 8/1/2023 – Collared Aracari

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin