Giant Conebill (Conirostrum binghami)

Identification & Behavior: ~15 cm (6 in). The Giant Conebill is bluish-gray above and chestnut below. It has white cheeks and chestnut lores that extend through the eye. The bill is relatively long and pointy. It forages nearly exclusively in Polylepis woodlands. It is unmistakable in its restricted habitat type but see the much smaller White-browed Conebill.

Status: The Giant Conebill is uncommon in the Polylepis woodlands it is known to occur at elevations ranging between 3500-4600 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Pico-de-Cono Gigante.

Sub-species: Giant Conebill (Conirostrum binghami), P. L. Sclater, 1860.

Meaning of Name: Conirostrum: L. conus= cone and rostrum= bill. binghami: In honor of Professor Hiram Bingham (1875-1956), historian, politician, Senator from Connecticut 1924-1933, an explorer who “rediscovered” the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru 1911.

Formerly known as Oreomanes fraseri (2017).

See more of the Family Thraupidae