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Photo: © William Supulski eBird S33553660 Macaulay Library ML 44906771
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Dusky-backed Jacamar

Brachygalba salmoni
Jacamar de Salmon
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Song

Dusky-backed Jacamar

Appearance: The Dusky-backed Jacamar is a small bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a black crown and nape, a brownish-olive back, and a rufous belly. - This species has a relatively long, thin bill and a short tail. The male and female Dusky-backed Jacamar generally have similar plumage. 
Habitat: The Dusky-backed Jacamar is typically found in lowland tropical forests and forest edges. It prefers habitats with tall trees, especially near rivers, streams, or wetlands. In Colombia, the Dusky-backed Jacamar can be found in regions such as the Amazon basin, the Chocó biogeographic region, and other areas with suitable forested habitats.
Behavior: Dusky-backed Jacamars are sit-and-wait predators, perching quietly and scanning their surroundings for insects, which make up a large part of their diet. They are generally solitary birds or found in pairs, and they are known for their aerial sallies to catch flying insects. These jacamars are relatively shy and elusive, making them challenging to observe in the wild.
Breeding: Breeding behaviors of the Dusky-backed Jacamar in Colombia are not extensively studied, but they typically nest in burrows dug into riverbanks or earth banks. The breeding season may vary depending on the region and environmental conditions. Males and females likely engage in courtship displays and territorial behaviors during this period.
Conservation Status: The Dusky-backed Jacamar is considered a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not currently facing imminent threats of extinction.

Distribution

Chocó Region: The Dusky-backed Jacamar is found in the dense rainforests of the Chocó region, which offers suitable habitats for this species with its lush vegetation and diverse ecosystem. It is found in the north of Choco, north Antioquia , south Cordoba and north Bolivar.

Taxonomy

The Dusky-backed Jacamar (Brachygalba salmoni)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Galbuliformes
  • Family: Galbulidae
  • Genus: Brachygalba
  • Species: Brachygalba salmoni

Vocalization

Song: The song of the Dusky-backed Jacamar is typically described as a series of melodious notes or phrases. These songs can vary in length and complexity. The song is often characterized as a repetitive sequence of soft, whistled notes that may rise and fall in pitch. It is considered to be quite pleasant and musical in quality.
Call: The call of the Dusky-backed Jacamar is a sharp, metallic "tink" or "tink-tink" sound. This call is used for communication between individuals, maintaining contact, and signaling alarm. The call can be heard during territorial disputes or interactions with neighboring individuals. It may also be used to convey aggression or assert dominance.
Chatter: In addition to its song and call, the Dusky-backed Jacamar may produce a chattering sound. This chatter is a rapid series of short, harsh notes that can be heard during interactions or while foraging. The chatter may also serve as a form of communication within pairs or family groups, helping to coordinate activities or alerting others to the presence of predators.