The new pyrochlore with the composition Bi_1·6Co_0·8Ta_1·6O_7±Δ (sp. gr. Fd-3m:2, 10.5526 (2) Å, Z = 8 (No. 227)) was obtained by the method of solid-phase synthesis. The sample is characterized by a dense microstructure with a small number of pores formed by partially fused grains. The electronic states of the atoms were studied by the near edge X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. According to spectroscopy data, it was found that bismuth atoms have an effective charge of +3, cobalt atoms +2 and tantalum ions +(5-δ).