- Pheucticus tibialis
Identification
A large yellow and black grosbeak with a very heavy bill. Length: 20cm (8in); weight: 70g
Mostly yellow, with black tail, back and wings which have a prominent white patch. Upper mandible is black, lower mandible is gray with a blackish tip. The black thighs are visible in the lower photo, taken looking up at the bird in the canopy.
Female is similar, with a paler head and breast, less white in the wing, and olive scaling on the back.
Juveniles are like adults, but the head and breast is more olive and duller, and the breast often mottled dusky.
Distribution
Central America: found in Costa Rica and western Panama.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
It has been viewed as a subspecies under Yellow Grosbeak.
Habitat
Canopy and forest edges in the mountains from 1000-2600m (3300-8500ft). Also pastures wtih scattered tall trees and semi open areas.
Behaviour
Diet
Forages high in the canopy, for fruits and seeds. Will glean insects from leaves and branches, as well as hawking them from the air, flycatcher style.
Vocalisation
The song is rich-toned, high-pitched and clear, consisting of a series of warbles, whistles and slurred notes, often ending in a canary-like trill. Possibly one of the best songsters in Costa Rica.
References
- Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Black-thighed Grosbeak. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 27 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black-thighed_Grosbeak
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.
