Dacnis Negriazul
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis
Dacnis venusta
Song
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis
Appearance: The Scarlet-thighed Dacnis is a small, strikingly colorful bird. Males and females have distinct plumage: Vivid turquoise-blue plumage with striking, bright scarlet thighs. The wings, tail, and back are black, creating a striking contrast. The females are not as vividly colored as the males. They have a more subdued greenish or duller blue plumage with yellowish or greenish underparts and do not display the scarlet thighs. Both sexes have a short, conical bill that is suitable for their diet.
Habitat: The Scarlet-thighed Dacnis is found in humid tropical forests, including both lowland and montane regions. They inhabit areas from sea level up to about 1,000 m in altitude. These birds are seen in forest edges, secondary growth, and plantations.
Behavior: Scarlet-thighed Dacnis feed on fruits, nectar, and insects. They are often seen in mixed-species foraging flocks, actively moving through the canopy in search of food. While foraging, they can be observed either alone, in pairs, or in small groups. Their energetic and acrobatic feeding behavior makes them quite noticeable. They have a series of high-pitched calls and songs used for communication during foraging and breeding.
Breeding: These birds build small cup-shaped nests, well-hidden in the foliage of trees or shrubs. The nests are constructed from plant fibers, moss, and other soft materials. The female lays two to three eggs. Incubation is done by the female, while both parents may participate in feeding the chicks once they hatch. The breeding season of the Scarlet-thighed Dacnis coincides with the availability of food, which can vary by region.
Conservation Status: The Scarlet-thighed Dacnis is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
Pacific Region: Chocó Department: The Chocó biogeographic region is known for its high biodiversity and extensive tropical rainforests. This region is one of the prime habitats for the Scarlet-thighed Dacnis in the country.
Caribbean Region: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: While located in the Andean and Pacific regions, some populations are also found in the foothills and lower montane forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Taxonomy
The Scarlet-thighed Dacnis (Dacnis venusta)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Dacnis
- Species: Dacnis venusta
Vocalization
Calls: The Scarlet-thighed Dacnis is known for its series of high-pitched, thin calls. These calls often sound like sharp "tseep" or "tsit" notes. These calls can be delivered in rapid succession, creating a soft, twittering effect that blends into the ambient sounds of the forest.
Songs: While the Scarlet-thighed Dacnis is not known for elaborate songs compared to some other bird species, its song consists of short, melodic phrases. The song is used during the breeding season to attract mates and establish territory.
Communication: These vocalizations are crucial for maintaining contact between individuals, especially when foraging in dense foliage where visual contact is limited.
Alarm Calls: In the presence of predators or perceived threats, Dacnis may emit more urgent and sharper calls to alert others.
Social Interaction: Calls are also used during social interactions within flocks or between potential mates.
