Masked Tityra
NameMasked Tityra
Common NameMasked Tityra
Scientific NameTityra semifasciata
FamilyTityridae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsMales have a white body, black flight feathers, and a black tail with white outer rectrices. The head features a prominent black mask extending from the lores to behind the eye, contrasting with bright red bare skin around the eye and a red base to the bill, which is black-tipped.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, buzzing, or churring notes, often a series of 'wheet' or 'tseet' calls. A common call is described as a 'bzzt-bzzt-bzzt' or 'tzzzz-tzzzz'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread from Mexico through Central America and much of northern and central South America, extending south to Bolivia and southeastern Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive black mask on a white head (males), Bright red bare skin around the eye and bill base, Stout, black-tipped bill with a red base, White body plumage with black wings and tail (males), Often perches upright and conspicuously
Description
The Masked Tityra is a medium-sized, stocky bird known for its striking appearance. Males, like the one pictured, are predominantly white with a distinctive black mask and bright red facial skin. They typically perch conspicuously in the canopy of various wooded habitats.
