Velvet-fronted Grackle

Overview

The velvet-fronted grackle (Lampropsar tanagrinus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae and the only member of the genus Lampropsar. It inhabits various parts of South America, with a population estimated to exceed 10,000 mature individuals, and is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Both sexes are entirely black, featuring a slight bluish gloss on the dorsal surfaces.
• Males measure approximately 22 cm in length, while females are around 19 cm.
• Feathers at the front of the crown are very short and dense, creating a distinctive velvet-like appearance.
• Vocalisations include a crackling "chack" and a whistling "cheziit", with a moderately musical, rapid gurgling song often heard at dusk.

Habitat

Found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela, this species occupies two separate populations. Its natural habitats consist of subtropical or tropical swamps, heavily degraded former forest, and várzea forests that periodically flood, as well as forest borders near ponds, rivers, and lakes.

Diet

The species forages both high and low in the canopy, moving noisily in small groups and occasionally hopping on floating vegetation. Its diet primarily consists of insects such as winged ants and beetles, though specific dietary details remain poorly described.

Did you know?

Recent genetic and morphometric studies suggest the species may be split into three distinct species based on basin distribution: the western and central Amazon basin, the Orinoco basin, and the basin formed by the Beni, Mamoré, and Guaporé Rivers.