Argentina (B), Bolivia (B), Chile (B), Colombia (B), Ecuador (B), Peru (B).
Extreme southern Colombia (volcanoes on border) southern in high Andes to Ecuador (south to Azuay and northern Loja), and north-central Peru south to extreme northern Chile (Tarapacá), Bolivia and north-western Argentina.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Destruction and fragmentation of Polylepis woodland due to uncontrolled use of fire, firewood collection, intense grazing, unsound agricultural techniques and afforestation with exotic tree species, is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Giant Conebill (Conirostrum) [XC105195]
by Dan Lane from Above Lagunas Llanganuco, Huascaran NP, Llanganuco Sector, Ancash dept., Peru (song)
Giant Conebill (Conirostrum binghami) [XC261124]
by Nicolas Mamani from Azuay: Cajas NP (high), Ecuador (song)
Subspecies
Has sometimes been placed in Coerebidae or Parulidae, but molecular-genetic data indicate that it belongs in present family, with Conirostrum as its sister. Genus sometimes subsumed in latter. Hybridization with White-browed Conebill (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) also suggests close relationship. Geographical variation minor, partly clinal, and with checkerboard pattern, in general bill length increasing from north to south, plumage becoming paler from north to south, and differences in facial plumage varying independently of geographical location (and often much variation within a single population).
Proposed subspecies binghami (described from Cedrobamba Ruins, near Machu Picchu, at timber-line in south-eastern Peru) and sturninus (from Finca Salo, at c. 3960 m in Potosí, in Bolivia) considered undiagnosable.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet