Gran Jacamar
Great Jacamar
Jacamerops aureus
Song
Great Jacamar
Appearance: The Great Jacamar is a large species of jacamar, with a length of about 25–28 cm (9.8–11 in). It has a distinctive appearance with a glossy metallic green crown, upperparts, and breast. The underparts are creamy-white with a broad black band across the chest, and it has a long, black, needle-like bill. The tail is black with white tips, and the eyes are surrounded by a contrasting white patch.
Habitat: Great Jacamars are primarily found in tropical lowland forests, especially in the Amazon basin and adjacent areas. They prefer semi-open habitats with tall, mature trees and are commonly seen near rivers, streams, and forest edges.mco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Behavior: These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs. They often perch quietly for long periods, scanning the surroundings for insects – their primary food source. When hunting, they sally out to catch flying insects with swift and agile movements. Great Jacamars are known for their distinctive calls, which are loud and piercing.
Breeding: Great Jacamars nest in burrows that they excavate in riverbanks or earthen cliffs. The female typically lays two to three white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 18–19 days. After hatching, the chicks are cared for and fed by both parents until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Great Jacamar in Colombia is not globally assessed, but it is generally considered to be of least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its fairly large range and stable population trends.
Distribution
Amazon Region: The Great Jacamar is commonly found in the Amazon region of Colombia, including areas along the Amazon River and its tributaries. This region consists of vast tracts of dense rainforest where the bird can thrive in the rich biodiversity of the Amazon basin.
Orinoco Region: The Orinoco region of Colombia, which includes parts of the eastern plains and lowland forests, also provides suitable habitat for the Great Jacamar. The bird can be observed in forested areas near rivers and streams where it hunts for insects.
Pacific Coast Region: The Great Jacamar can also be found in the western part of Colombia along the Pacific coast, where there are tropical rainforests and dense vegetation that provide suitable foraging grounds for the bird.
Magdalena Valley Region: This region, which includes the Magdalena River basin and surrounding areas, provides another habitat for the Great Jacamar in Colombia. The bird can be found in the lowland forests and riverine habitats in this region.
Chocó Region: The Chocó region on the western side of the Andes Mountains is another important area where the Great Jacamar is present. This region is known for its high biodiversity and lush forests, making it an ideal habitat for the bird.
Taxonomy
The Great Jacamar (Jacamerops aureus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galbuliformes
- Family: Galbulidae
- Genus: Jacamerops
- Species: Jacamerops aureus
Vocalization
Calls: The Great Jacamar produces a variety of calls, including loud, piercing sounds that can carry through the forest canopy. Their calls are often described as sharp and ringing, with some variations in pitch and duration. These calls are used for communication between individuals, establishing territorial boundaries, and signaling alarm.
Advertising Calls: During the breeding season, male Great Jacamars often produce advertising calls to attract females and establish their presence in the area. These calls may be repeated at regular intervals and are intended to showcase the male's fitness and availability for mating.
Territorial Calls: Great Jacamars are territorial birds, and they use vocalizations to defend their territory against intruders. Their calls can be aggressive and loud, serving as a warning to other birds to stay away from their nesting sites and foraging areas.
Contact Calls: In addition to more conspicuous calls, Great Jacamars also use softer contact calls to communicate with their mate or offspring while foraging or moving through the forest. These calls are more subtle and help maintain contact between individuals in dense vegetation.
Alarm Calls: When threatened or disturbed, Great Jacamars will emit distinct alarm calls that signify danger. These calls are often shorter and more urgent in nature, alerting nearby birds to potential threats such as predators or human presence.
