Cinnamon Becard

The cinnamon becard, a passerine bird with a scientific name Pachyramphus cinnamomeus, presents a charming rufous plumage above and a paler cinnamon hue below. This species, measuring a modest 5.5 inches in length and weighing between 0.6 and 0.8 ounces, is distinguished by its grey bill and legs. A notable feature of the cinnamon becard is the similarity in appearance between the sexes, a trait not commonly observed in other becard species. The juveniles, however, display a brighter dorsal side and a generally paler complexion.

Identification Tips

To identify the cinnamon becard, look for the pale supercilium and dusky line extending from the bill to the eye, particularly in northern populations. The subspecies Pachyramphus cinnamomeus magdalenae, found west of the Andes, exhibits a more pronounced supercilium and a blackish loral line, offering a striking contrast.

Habitat

The cinnamon becard is quite adaptable, favoring disturbed habitats such as open woodlands, which include forest edges and clearings, as well as mangroves and secondary forests, often dominated by the Naked Albizia tree.

Distribution

This species is a permanent resident from southeastern Mexico down through to northwestern Ecuador and northwestern Venezuela. It has been discovered to be more prevalent on the Amazonian slope of the Colombian Cordillera Oriental than previously understood.

Behaviour

Breeding

The female cinnamon becard is solely responsible for constructing the nest, a spherical edifice of plant material with a low entrance, strategically placed at the tip of a high tree branch, anywhere from 8 to 50 feet above ground. Proximity to a wasp nest is often sought for added protection. The typical clutch consists of 3 to 4 olive brown-blotched brownish white eggs. The incubation period, managed by the female alone, spans 18 to 20 days, after which the male contributes by helping to feed the fledglings.

Feeding

Cinnamon becards exhibit a dynamic feeding behavior, snatching large insects and spiders directly from foliage mid-flight. They are also known to hover momentarily to pluck small berries, a testament to their agile foraging skills.

Song & Calls

The auditory experience of the cinnamon becard includes high, thin whistles. The male's song is a plaintive, ascending series of notes, transcribed as "dee dee dee dee dee dee de," while the female's call is a softer "deeeu dew dew, dew dew."

Conservation status

The cinnamon becard is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.