Lesser Antillean Saltator

Overview

The Lesser Antillean saltator (Saltator albicollis) is a songbird belonging to the tanager family, Thraupidae. It is a year-round resident found across four Caribbean islands and is currently assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length ranges from 21 to 22 cm with a weight of approximately 37 to 52 g.
• Plumage features a deep olive-green crown and back, a mottled gray face, and dull olive underparts with fuzzy darker streaks.
• The bill is blackish with a distinct yellow tip and gape, accompanied by dark brown irises and brown legs.
• The song consists of a series of rather loud, harsh, rising and falling notes.

Habitat

This species inhabits dry scrubby landscapes in tropical and lower subtropical zones, as well as mangroves and various forest types ranging from dry to humid. Its elevation range spans from sea level up to 500 m, primarily across Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Lucia.

Diet

The bird feeds primarily on plant material such as fruits, buds, and flowers, supplemented by smaller amounts of insects. Foraging activity typically occurs in pairs.

Did you know?

The specific epithet albicollis derives from the Latin words for 'white' and 'necked', referencing the bird's throat markings, though this name was based on a specimen whose type locality was erroneously reported as Cayenne instead of Martinique.