Gray-collared Becard

The Gray-collared Becard is normally a bird of arid temperate and tropical zones of Mexico and Guatemala.  It was unknown in the United States until a single female was confirmed in southeastern Arizona in 2009.  Males sport a black cap and a black back, interrupted by a pale gray nape that merges with grey underparts.  Females share similar black and white wing patterns but have a rich brownish back and crown, with a dark eye-stripe.

Habitat: Found in a variety of semi-open forest habitats in arid temperate zones as well as tropical zones.  Potential habitats include pine-oak woodlands, moist lowland forest, moist montane forest, and tropical dry woodlands.

Diet: Feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, as well as fruits and berries.

Behavior: Usually forages at mid-level heights to the top of a forest canopy.

Nesting: Poorly understood.  The first description of nesting was only recently published.

Song: A rich, warbling, repeated hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo

Migration: Considered a permanent resident throughout their range, but altitudinal shifts as seasons change have been noted.

Interactive eBird map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Gray-collared Becard sightings

Similar Species: Not likely to be confused with another species if seen well.

Conservation Status: Populations appear to be stable and there are no major conservation concerns.  The IUCN lists the Gray-collared Becard as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) Birdlife International - Gray-collared Becard

2) Cornell's Neotropical Birds - Gray-collared Becard

3) Handbook of the Birds of the World - Gray-collared Becard

Photo Information: Photo by Jorge Montejo - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license

 

Click below for a higher-resolution map

South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota

Additional Gray-collared Becard Photos (coming soon!!)