Head to head
Masked Tityra vs Black-crowned Tityra
The masked tityra and the black-crowned tityra are close congeners sharing pale grey-white body plumage and a habit of perching conspicuously in the open, differing mainly in head pattern and the extent of their range across the Neotropics.
| Masked Tityra | Black-crowned Tityra | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Tityra semifasciata | Tityra inquisitor |
| Head pattern | Black facial mask with bright red bare eye skin | Solid black crown covering the top of the head |
| Body plumage | Pale grey-white | Pale grey-white |
| Range | Mexico through Central America into northern South America | Mexico through Central America deep into South America |
| Perching behaviour | Often perches conspicuously in the open | Often perches on exposed branches |
| Diet | Omnivore, fruit and insects | Omnivore, fruit and insects |
| Vocal behaviour | Relatively quiet, soft calls | Relatively quiet, soft calls |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Masked Tityra vs Black-crowned Tityra: common questions
What is the easiest way to tell the masked tityra and black-crowned tityra apart?
Look at the head: the masked tityra shows a black facial mask with bright red bare skin around the eyes, while the black-crowned tityra instead has a solid black crown covering the top of the head, without the red eye skin.
Which tityra has the wider range?
The black-crowned tityra ranges further south, extending from Mexico through Central America deep into South America, a broader stretch of the Neotropics than the masked tityra covers.
Do both tityras eat the same food?
Yes, both are omnivores that eat fruit and insects gleaned from forest canopy and mid-level vegetation.