From Opus

Amblyramphus holosericeus

Photo by Jamfaraco
Photo taken: Itapirubá, Imbituba-SC Brazil.

[edit] Identification

24 cm. The bill is oddly shaped: long, slender, and very sharp, looking almost upturned. Juveniles have entirely black plumage; orange-red feathers first appear on their breast and throat, later spreading to the neck, head, and thighs.

[edit] Distribution

It is not particularly common within its range from Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species, which is the only member of its genus.

[edit] Habitat

Reed beds and marshes.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes fruit, supplemented with seeds and invertebrates, especially insects. They use their bill as a hammer to open food items.

They build an open cup nest placed in the crotch of a shrub or woven into vegetation, and 2 eggs are laid.

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