Black-throated Grosbeak

Overview

The black-throated grosbeak (Saltator fuliginosus) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae, the tanagers and allies. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Identification

• Adults range from 20 cm to 22 cm in length, with males being deep slate-blue and females appearing duller with less blue.
• Males possess black lores, face, ear coverts, throat, and upper breast, with black wings edged in slate-blue and a uniformly black tail.
• Both sexes feature a dark brown iris, a bright coral-red bill, and dark gray legs and feet.
• The song is often two-parted with a long interval, described as "Weétju-pjerur thur -wur wír", where 'Weét' and 'wír' carry the highest pitch.

Habitat

The species inhabits the humid Atlantic Forest and maintains a disjunct distribution across southeastern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, and parts of Brazil's northeast and south-central regions. It is considered a year-round resident in its range, though records from Paraguay have not been confirmed since the early twentieth century.

Diet

The specific diet of the black-throated grosbeak has not been studied, but the bird typically forages from the forest's mid-story up to the canopy.

Did you know?

The shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) acts as a brood parasite on this species, though details regarding the grosbeak's nest, incubation period, and parental care remain unknown.