Barred Becard
Pachyramphus versicolor
Scientific Name
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
Family
Passeriformes
Order
P. v. versicolor
Subspecies. Costa Rica and western Panama
P. v. meridionalis
Subspecies. Eastern Panama through Colombia to northwestern Venezuela
Range and Habitat of Barred Becard
Geographic Range
Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, northwestern Venezuela, western Ecuador, northwestern Peru
Migratory Patterns
Non-migratory resident. Some seasonal altitudinal movements, descending slightly in wet season.
Preferred Habitat
Montane forests, cloud forests, forest edges, secondary growth, partially cleared areas with scattered trees, gardens adjacent to forest
Altitude Range
Most common 1,200-2,400 m, occasionally 900-2,800 m
Costa Rica Habitat
- Both slopes from Cordillera de Tilarán south through Cordillera Central and Cordillera de Talamanca
- Provinces: Guanacaste (higher elevations), Alajuela, San José, Heredia, Cartago, Puntarenas, Limón
- Notable protected areas: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Poás Volcano National Park, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Los Quetzales National Park, San Gerardo de Dota, Savegre Valley, Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte National Park
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Global population considered stable
Deforestation in middle elevations for agriculture and cattle ranching
Conservation efforts
Well-protected in Costa Rica's mountain national parks and reserves
Primary Threats
Deforestation in middle elevations for agriculture and cattle ranching
Barred Becard Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
Length: 12-13 cm; Weight: 14-18 g (males average 16.5 g, females 15.8 g)
Plumage
Adult males: Crown and nape glossy black. Back olive-green with distinct black barring. Wings blackish with two prominent buff-yellow wing bars and buff edges to flight feathers. Underparts bright yellow with fine black barring on breast and flanks. Undertail coverts unmarked yellow.
Adult females: Crown dark gray instead of black. Back olive-green with less distinct grayish barring. Underparts paler yellow to yellowish-white with gray barring on breast. Wing bars buff to pale yellow.
Distinctive Features
- Short, broad bill (11-12 mm), pale gray to horn-colored with darker culmen
- Distinctive barred pattern on both upperparts and underparts
- Short tail with square tip
Sexual Dimorphism
Males show glossy black crown contrasting with olive back, brighter yellow underparts, and more distinct black barring. Females have gray crown and paler overall coloration.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Insects: caterpillars, beetles, flies, wasps, ants; spiders; fruits: especially melastomes, small berries
Foraging Techniques
- Sallies from exposed perch to glean insects from foliage
Feeding Times
- Most active early morning (6:00-9:00) and late afternoon (15:00-17:00)
Behavior Patterns
Barred Becard
Social Structure
Barred becards can be usually found in pairs or family groups. They regularly join mixed-species flocks with tanagers, warblers, and other small passerines.
Song and Vocalization
Song: Plaintive, descending whistle “wheeeeu” or “whee-oo-eet,” lasting 1-2 seconds
Call: Soft “pip” or “wit” notes
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Male performs flutter-flight displays, offers food items to female.
Territoriality
Maintains territories of 1-3 hectares during breeding season; less territorial when joining mixed flocks
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Barred Becard
- San Gerardo de Dota valley
- Savegre Mountain Lodge area
- Cerro de la Muerte (especially Páramo area)
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Los Quetzales National Park
- Tapantí National Park (Oropéndola trail)
- Poás Volcano National Park (cloud forest trails)
Best Time of the Year
Year-round, but most active and vocal April-June during breeding season
Common Behavior
Listen for plaintive whistled song from forest edge, check exposed dead snags at forest openings, and look for movement in mixed-species flocks
Recommended Gear
- 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars for forest birding
- Rain gear essential in cloud forest habitat
- Camera with 400mm+ lens for photography
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
March-July, peak April-May (early wet season)
Nesting Sites
Made of moss, rootlets, and plant fibers, placed 3-12 m high in tree fork or among epiphytes
Clutch Size
2-3 eggs (usually 2)
Incubation Period
17-18 days
Parental Care
Female incubates alone; both parents feed nestlings. Young fledge at 18-20 days. Post-fledging care continues for 4-5 weeks.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
Has been observed using spider silk to “gift wrap” prey items during courtship
Cultural Significance
In Costa Rican highland communities, its plaintive song is said to predict rain, earning it the local name “plañidero” (mourner)
Surprising Traits
Can rotate its head nearly 180 degrees when scanning for prey
Sometimes steals nesting material from other birds’ nestsHow do I identify this bird?
Look for a small, compact bird with a distinctive barred pattern on both back and underparts, large head, and short bill. Males have glossy black crown; females have gray crown. The plaintive whistled song is highly distinctive.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
San Gerardo de Dota valley is the most reliable location, especially around Savegre Mountain Lodge. The road to Cerro de la Muerte (Route 2) between KM 80-95 also offers excellent opportunities, particularly at dawn.
Is it endangered?
No, it’s listed as Least Concern with stable populations. However, it requires intact montane forest habitat and could be vulnerable to climate change impacts on cloud forest ecosystems.