Capuchinbird

Appearance

The capuchinbird is a large thick-set suboscine passerine with a relatively heavy bill. Adults weigh between 340 and 420 grams and are typically around 40 centimetres long, making it the largest suboscine passerine apart from the Amazonian and long-wattled umbrellabirds – indeed females average larger than any female umbrellabird. Its plumage is overall rich brown, approaching orange on the belly and undertail coverts, and the remiges and short tail are black. The most distinctive feature is its bare, almost vulture-like head covered in dull blue skin. Juveniles resemble adults, with the exception of some downy feathers on the head. They gather in leks where they “sing”. The “song” is very odd and difficult to describe accurately, although some have compared it to the distant sound of a chainsaw or a cow mooing. They eat mainly fruits and insects.