Masked Tityra
A species of Tityras Scientific name : Tityra semifasciata Genus : Tityras
Masked Tityra, A species of Tityras
Botanical name: Tityra semifasciata
Genus: Tityras
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Amado Demesa , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The masked tityra (Tityra semifasciata) is a medium-sized passerine bird. It has traditionally been placed in the cotinga or the tyrant flycatcher family, but evidence strongly suggests that it is better placed in Tityridae, where it is now placed by the South American Classification Committee. It is found in forest and woodland from Mexico, through Central America, to northwestern and central South America (as far south as Paraguay). Measuring 20 cm (7.9 in), it has a black-and-whitish plumage, and a distinct red eye-ring and base of the bill. The head is black in the male, while it is brownish or greyish in the female. The male resembles the black-tailed tityra, but can be separated by its smaller black face mask (does not include the nape) and white tail-tip.
Size
24 cm
Feeding Habits
Masked Tityra, largely frugivorous, feasts on figs, arils, and lauraceous fruits, supplementing its diet with insects and occasionally small lizards. It forages in trees, exhibiting a preference for certain fruits, which underscores its unique dietary adaptations.
Habitat
Masked Tityra typically resides in a range of humid to semi-arid environments including the forest canopy and crowns of taller trees along forest edges. They are also found in woodlands, palm stands, second-growth forests, and relatively open areas such as forest clearings and savannas with scattered trees. Their habitats extend to plantations as well. Geographically, masked Tityra's habitats span broad tropical and subtropical regions, primarily situated at elevations below 1200 to 1500 meters, although they have been observed up to 2500 meters in certain regions.
Dite type
Omnivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Amado Demesa , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Cotingas Genus
Tityras Species
Masked Tityra