Tityra leucura
The White-tailed Tityra (Tityra leucura) is a striking neotropical passerine, often considered a subspecies of the widespread Masked Tityra (Tityra cayana), though some authorities grant it full species status. Males are predominantly pale grayish-white, distinguished by a prominent black mask covering the lores and periocular region, contrasting with a heavy, black-tipped bill. Their most defining feature, giving them their common name, is a largely white tail, typically with black limited t...
This species primarily inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of lowland humid evergreen forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth, often near rivers. They are typically found from sea level up to around 800 meters elevation.
Their diet consists primarily of fruits, especially aril-covered berries and small drupes, supplemented significantly by a variety of insects and other arthropods.
White-tailed Tityras are diurnal birds, frequently observed singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Their foraging strategy involves sallying from a perch to snatch insects in flight or gleaning fruits and arthropods directly from foliage. While territorial boundar...
The White-tailed Tityra (Tityra leucura) is a resident species found exclusively within the northern Amazon basin and the Guiana Shield region of South America. Its breeding and year-round range extends across southeastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil. In Brazil...
Least Concern
- The White-tailed Tityra is one of the few members of its family, Tityridae, known to nest in tree cavities, often repurposing old woodpecker holes, rather than building open-cup nests. - Its common name and scientific name, 'leucura' (meaning 'white-tailed'), directly refer to its most distinct...