Tordo Montañero
Mountain Grackle
Macroagelaius subalaris
Song
Mountain Grackle
Appearance: The Mountain Grackle is a medium-sized bird characterized by its glossy black plumage, which can have a slight bluish sheen. It has a robust build, with a strong, slightly curved bill. The eyes are dark, and it possesses strong legs and feet, adapted for its arboreal lifestyle.
Habitat: This species is found in montane forests in subtropical or tropical moist montane regions. It prefers dense forest habitats, often at elevations ranging from 1900 to 3100 m above sea level. These forests provide the necessary resources such as food and nesting sites.
Behavior: Mountain Grackles are social birds, often seen in small flocks. They are known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of calls and songs used for communication among flock members. Their diet mainly consists of insects, fruits, and seeds, which they forage for in the forest canopy and understory.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of the Mountain Grackle is not extensively documented, but like many grackle species, they are monogamous, with pairs working together to build nests and raise young. Nests are constructed in trees, using twigs and other plant materials. The female lays a clutch of eggs, which she incubates with the male assisting in feeding the chicks once they hatch.
Conservation Status: The Mountain Grackle is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Distribution
The Mountain Grackle is found in the Eastern Andes of Colombia from Norte de Santander and Santander, in the Serranía de los Yariguíes and Cundinamarca.
Taxonomy
The Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Icteridae
- Genus: Macroagelaius
- Species: Macroagelaius subalaris
Vocalization
Communication: Like other grackles, the Mountain Grackle uses vocalizations as a means of communication. These sounds can include a variety of calls, whistles, and songs that serve different purposes.
Territorial Calls: Mountain Grackles may use specific calls to establish and defend their territory. These vocalizations can deter other birds from encroaching on their space.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males might use distinct calls to attract females and establish pair bonds. These calls can be more elaborate or frequent during this period.
Alarm Calls: When faced with potential threats or predators, Mountain Grackles may emit alarm calls to warn other members of their group or species.
Social Interaction: Vocalizations can also facilitate social interactions within flocks, helping to maintain group cohesion and coordinate movements.
Purpose
Territory Defense: Calls help in maintaining and defending territories from rivals, ensuring access to resources such as food and nesting sites.
Purpose
Reproduction: Vocalizations are crucial for attracting mates and successful reproduction. They play a role in courtship and pair bonding.
Territory Defense: Calls help in maintaining and defending territories from rivals, ensuring access to resources such as food and nesting sites.
Predator Avoidance: Alarm calls can alert other birds to the presence of predators, increasing the chances of survival for the individual and the group.
Social Structure: Vocalizations help maintain social structures within flocks, aiding in communication and coordination among members.
