Parkerthraustes humeralis
The Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak, *Parkerthraustes humeralis*, is a striking, medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length with a wingspan of approximately 30 cm (12 inches). Males are instantly recognizable by their brilliant, lemon-yellow epaulets that contrast sharply with their glossy black or deep olive-black body plumage, a feature that gives the species its evocative name. Females, while more subtly attired in olive-brown with faint streaking on the breast,...
Dense, humid montane cloud forests and mature forest edges, primarily found at mid-elevations from 1,200 to 2,500 meters.
Mainly large seeds, various fruits, berries, and a significant portion of insects, especially caterpillars and beetles. Forages by cracking seeds with its strong bill and gleaning insects from foliage.
The Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak is a predominantly diurnal species, active from dawn until dusk, often beginning its vocalizations just before sunrise. During the day, it forages primarily in the mid-canopy to sub-canopy layers of dense forest, occasionally descending to lower tangles for fallen f...
The Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak is a resident species primarily found in the humid montane and cloud forests of Central and South America. Its core breeding and year-round range extends from Costa Rica and Panama, south through the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and into northern Peru. Within this ex...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak possesses one of the strongest bite forces relative to its body size among Neotropical passerines, capable of cracking seeds thought impenetrable by other birds. - Its complex, fluty song can carry for over a kilometer through dense forest, a key communication too...