Introducing the Black-capped donacobius, a bird that can easily be recognized by its striking yellow eyes and unique voice. It has a black head that sets it apart from other birds.

The black-capped donacobius, a lively bird native to South America, is easily recognizable by its distinct features. These birds flaunt dark upperparts and yellow buff underparts, with a paler chin contrasting the throat while the chest is marginally darker than the stomach. Fine black bars transversely pattern the upper flanks, and a small white patch on the upper wing gives them their name. Sporting a long, dark, fan-shaped tail with noticeable white tips that become broader on the outer feathers, this bird’s forehead, crown, nape, cheeks, and shoulders are black, and during mating rituals, deep orange-yellow cheek pouches appear. The bill is slightly curved downwards, the eyes are bright yellow, and the legs and feet are black.

Male and female birds share many physical similarities. However, in juvenile birds, there are noticeable differences such as a brown crown and nape. Their body feathers also have a less vibrant color compared to adult birds and do not have black barring on the flanks.

You can spot this type of bird in the wetlands and swamps of various South American countries including Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Guyana, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and Panama.

Black-capped donacobius birds are prevalent in various wetland regions across the Amazon, including riparian zones, oxbow lakes, and areas with dense aquatic or semi-aquatic plant life.

These flying creatures primarily nourish themselves on insects picked up from the surfaces of leaves, mostly from grassy areas. Despite this, they are believed to occasionally capture insects in midair by launching themselves from low positions over bodies of water.

During breeding season, a nest is constructed by building reeds or grass over standing water, usually at a height of 25 cm to one meter above the water level. The female is primarily responsible for constructing this bulky open cup, which measures 6cm to 8cm in diameter. She uses materials such as grass, plant fibers, spider webs and snake skins to construct the nest. Two eggs are laid within the nest and incubated for a period of 16 to 18 days, after which the young are fed by both parents. The fledging period lasts approximately 17 to 18 days.

The Black-capped Donacobius is a bird that can be found commonly across its habitat, so there are no immediate concerns about its population being at risk.