Rose-throated becard
The rose-throated becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) is a medium-sized member of the family Tityridae. Its genus, Pachyramphus, has traditionally been placed in Cotingidae or Tyrannidae, but evidence strongly suggest it is better placed in Tityridae.[2] This species was named in honour of Aglaé Brelay.[3]
| Rose-throated becard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Clade: | Dinosauria |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Tityridae |
| Genus: | Pachyramphus |
| Species: | P. aglaiae |
| Binomial name | |
| Pachyramphus aglaiae (Lafresnaye, 1839) | |
 | |
Taxonomy and systematics
The classification of the rose-throated becard was long controversial, with taxonomists arguing either that it was a cotinga or a tyrant flycatcher. However, genetic evidence indicates that it is in a separate family altogether.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Rose-throated becards usually occur in riparian areas of pine-oak woodlands and evergreen forest. They breed from south-easternmost Arizona and extreme southern Texas of the United States to western Panama. Breeding is local and sporadic in the US, and becomes more regular in Mexico. Birds are normally permanent residents, but birds found in the United States generally migrate for the winter.[4]
Description
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.[4] Its usual call is a mournful "seeeeuuuwww".
Behaviour
Breeding
Most breeding activity runs from May to July, but the season may be delayed at high elevation. They make a domed, pendulous nest that hangs from a high tree branch. Three to six eggs are laid, with great variation in color including off-white, light purple, olive, and pinkish. Eggs have scrawling, spotted, markings at the larger end.[4]
Status
They are abundant in their range, and are thus considering a species of least concern. General data on their population is unknown, but they are declining at the edge of their range due to human activity.[4]
References
- BirdLife International (2016). "Pachyramphus aglaiae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22700670A93791247. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22700670A93791247.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- Adopt the Family Tityridae Archived 2008-05-08 at the Wayback Machine - South American Classification Committee (2007)
- Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2014-10-01). The Eponym Dictionary of Birds. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9781472905741.
- Greenlaw, Jon S. (March 4, 2020). "Rose-throated Becard - Pachyramphus aglaiae - Birds of the World". birdsoftheworld.org. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
Further reading
- Skutch, Alexander F. (1969). "Rose-throated becard" (PDF). Life Histories of Central American Birds III: Families Cotingidae, Pipridae, Formicariidae, Furnariidae, Dendrocolaptidae, and Picidae. Pacific Coast Avifauna, Number 35. Berkeley, California: Cooper Ornithological Society. pp. 56–65.