Birdsong field guide
Red-and-black Grosbeak
Periporphyrus erythromelas
A striking, elusive cardinalid of the Neotropical canopy, characterized by its heavy bill and extreme sexual dimorphism.
What it sounds like
A series of rich, melodic, flute-like whistles; the contact call is a sharp, metallic 'pink' or 'hik'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- The species exhibits dramatic sexual dichromatism: males are deep crimson with black hoods, while females are olive-yellow with black face masks.
- It is currently the only member of the genus Periporphyrus, though it is closely related to the Yellow-green Grosbeak.
- Despite its vibrant plumage, it is notoriously difficult to spot as it primarily stays in the high forest canopy and subcanopy.
- The heavy, conical black bill is specialized for crushing hard seeds and tropical fruits, which form the bulk of its diet.
- It is often found following mixed-species foraging flocks through the humid lowland forests of the Guiana Shield.
Habitat
Primary humid lowland forest and mature secondary growth.
Range
Northern South America, specifically the Guianas, southern Venezuela, and the northern Amazon basin in Brazil.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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