Western Mato Grosso (upper R Juruena basin) and south-western Goiás (Das Emas National Park), in south-central Brazil.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 50 - 249 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat clearance and degradation through agricultural expansion and mechanisation appear to be the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Song consists of two groups of rapid musical notes, the second group slightly lower pitched, followed by a trill, 'tchi, tchi, tchi, tchi, tchi, tchirrrrrrrrrrr, tzarrrrrrrrrrr, ziiiiiiiiiiiiii'. May be repeated continuously.
Cone-billed Tanager (Conothraupis mesoleuca) [XC107213]
by Breno Dias Vitorino from Oxbow lake next to Rio Claro, S\u00e3o Jos\u00e9 do Rio Claro, Mato Grosso, Brazil (song)
Cone-billed Tanager (Conothraupis mesoleuca) [XC333242]
by Nick Athanas from Itiquira, Mato Grosso, Brazil (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Placement in present family has been questioned. Sometimes placed in a monotypic genus, Rhynchothraupis. On the other hand, has been suggested as being conspecific with Black-and-white Tanager (Conothraupis speculigera), but new vocal information and knowledge of female plumage (female formerly unknown) indicate that it could be most closely related to White-naped Seedeater (Sporophila fringilloides), currently placed in family Emberizidae. Further research is required.
Similar Species
In appearance to the allopatric Black-and-white Tanager (Conothraupis speculigera), but otherwise well distinct.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet