Slaty Becard

About the Slaty Becard

The slaty becard (Pachyramphus spodiurus) is a Vulnerable species of bird in the family Tityridae, the tityras, becards, and allies. It is found in Ecuador and Peru. The genus Pachyramphus has variously been assigned to the tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae and the cotinga family Cotingidae. Several early twenty-first century studies confirmed the placement of Pachyramphus in Tityridae and taxonomic systems leading to the reassignment.

Some twentieth century authors treated the slaty becard and the cinereous becard (P. rufous) as a single species called the "crested becard". They are sister species and form a superspecies. The slaty becard is monotypic.

The slaty becard is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long. Adult males have a black crown and nape and a whitish spot above the lores on an otherwise slaty gray face. Their upperparts are mostly slaty gray with some black on the back. Their wings are blackish with thin white edges on the flight feathers and a black patch on the primary coverts. Their tail is dusky black; the feathers sometimes have pale grayish edges. Their underparts are gray that is slightly lighter on the throat. Adult females... Wikipedia →