Capped Conebill

The Capped Conebill occurs along both slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, inhabiting humid montane and cloud forests typically between 2,000 and 2,800 meters. It is generally uncommon but regularly encountered, often seen in mixed-species flocks foraging in the middle and upper forest strata, where males—with their deep blue plumage and dark face—stand out against the foliage. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Andean range and a population suspected to be slowly declining due to habitat degradation. Natural history observations highlight its frequent tail-pumping behavior, insectivorous diet, and preference for mature forest interiors, though nesting biology remains poorly documented.