Lamprospiza melanoleuca
The Red-billed Pied Tanager, *Lamprospiza melanoleuca*, is an undeniably striking avian jewel of the Amazonian rainforests, often sought by passionate birders for its remarkable appearance. This medium-sized tanager measures approximately 16.5-17.5 cm (6.5-6.9 inches) in length and weighs around 35-42 grams, making it a robust passerine. Its plumage presents a dramatic, high-contrast monochrome palette: glossy black covering its head, upperparts, wings, and tail, sharply delineated from a pri...
Primarily found in the canopy and subcanopy of humid lowland tropical evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, often near forest edges or clearings, up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a variety of arthropods captured through sallying and gleaning, supplemented occasionally by small fruits.
The Red-billed Pied Tanager is a diurnal species, typically observed foraging actively during daylight hours, often in the mid to upper strata of the forest canopy. It is frequently seen participating in mixed-species foraging flocks, especially those led by antshrikes or other tanagers, a strate...
The Red-billed Pied Tanager is a resident species widely distributed across the Amazon Basin of South America, with its range extending from the Guyanas south to northern Bolivia and west to eastern Ecuador and northeastern Peru. Its core distribution includes vast areas of Brazil, particularly t...
Least Concern
- The Red-billed Pied Tanager is the sole member of its genus, *Lamprospiza*, highlighting its unique evolutionary path among the diverse tanager family. - Its strikingly contrasting black-and-white plumage with a vivid red bill makes it one of the most easily recognizable tanagers in its range. ...