Cyclarhis nigrirostris
The Black-billed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) is a captivating medium-sized passerine, immediately recognizable by its robust, dark, and slightly hooked bill. Measuring approximately 15-16.5 cm (6-6.5 inches) in length and weighing around 25-30 grams, its plumage features a striking olive-green back and rump contrasting with a plain gray head. A subtle, darker gray eye-stripe often complements its deep, dark eye, which lacks a prominent eye-ring, while its throat and breast are a sof...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane evergreen forests, cloud forests, and their edges. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,600 meters above sea level.
Its diet consists mainly of arthropods, such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, supplemented significantly by small fruits and berries. It forages by gleaning and probing from vegetation.
The Black-billed Peppershrike is a diurnal species, often encountered alone or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly during the non-breeding season. It employs a deliberate, methodical foraging strategy, slowly gleaning insects and small fruits from the foliage a...
The Black-billed Peppershrike is resident throughout the humid montane regions of northwestern South America. Its primary distribution extends along the Andes from central Colombia southward through Ecuador and into northern Peru. Within this extensive range, two subspecies are recognized: Cyclar...
Least Concern
- The name "peppershrike" is thought to derive from its stout, shrike-like bill, which is uncharacteristically robust for a passerine of its size. - Its rich, melodious song is considered one of the most beautiful among South American forest birds, often mistaken for a thrush or even a much large...