About Tityra cayana (Linnaeus, 1766)
The black-tailed tityra (Tityra cayana) is a robust, short-tailed bird with a long, hook-tipped bill. Like other tityras, it has the distinctive trait of a vestigial ninth primary feather. Adult black-tailed tityras measure 20–22 centimetres (7.9–8.7 in) in length and weigh 60–70 grams (2.1–2.5 oz). Males have dull white plumage on their upperparts and white plumage on their underparts. Their tail feathers (rectrices), primary and secondary flight feathers (remiges), and a head cap that extends below the eyes are black, while their tertiary remiges are silvery grey. Females have dark brown rather than black markings on their wings and tail, and also show brown patterning on their head, back, and underside. Both sexes have a patch of bare rosy-red skin around the eye that extends to the bill; the bill has a red base and a black tip. The iris and feet are dark in color. Juvenile plumage of this species has not been documented. This species is a year-round resident found in forest edges, second growth, and plantation shade trees. It occurs throughout the Pantanal, Cerrado, terra firme forest, and várzea forest. It is usually found at elevations below 500 metres (1,600 ft) above sea level, but can occasionally be found as high as 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) ASL.
