Jacamar Negro
Paradise Jacamar
Galbula dea
Song
Paradise Jacamar
Appearance: The Paradise Jacamar has a distinctive and colorful appearance. It has a long, slender bill, a rounded head, and a short tail. Its plumage is predominantly vibrant green, with a reddish-brown crown, a white throat, and bright blue patches on the wings and tail. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males having longer tail streamers and more vivid colors than females.
Habitat: The Paradise Jacamar inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, including primary and secondary lowland rainforests, forest edges, and wooded areas with dense vegetation. It prefers habitats with tall trees, near rivers, streams, or clearings, providing opportunities for perching and foraging.
Behavior: Paradise Jacamars are often observed perched quietly on branches, waiting to spot insects and small prey items flying by. They feed primarily on flying insects, catching them in mid-air using their sharp bills. These birds are known for their agility in flight and their ability to perform aerial maneuvers to catch prey.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of Paradise Jacamars typically involves the establishment of monogamous pairs that defend territories during the breeding season. Nests are usually located in burrows excavated in earthen banks or termite mounds, where females lay eggs and incubate them. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young until they are ready to fledge.
Conservation Status: The Paradise Jacamar is generally considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status, as it has a relatively wide distribution and stable population trends.
Distribution
Amazon Region: The Paradise Jacamar can be found in the Amazon region of Colombia, which includes departments such as Amazonas, Caquetá, Guaviare, Guainía, Putumayo, and Vaupés. Within the Amazon rainforest, the species inhabits areas of dense primary and secondary forests along riverbanks and lowland tropical forests.
Orinoquía Region: In Colombia's Orinoquía region, which includes departments like Arauca, Casanare, Meta, and Vichada, the Paradise Jacamar is also present. Within this region, the species can be found in forested areas near rivers, wetlands, and savannas that provide suitable habitat for foraging and breeding.
Taxonomy
The Paradise Jacamar (Galbula dea)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galbuliformes
- Family: Galbulidae
- Genus: Galbula
- Species: Galbula dea
Vocalization
Call: The typical call of the Paradise Jacamar is a distinctive series of high-pitched, repetitive notes that sound like a rapid "keer keer keer." This call is often used by individuals to communicate with their mates, signal alarm in response to potential threats, or establish territorial boundaries with other birds.
Song: The song of the Paradise Jacamar is a melodious and rhythmic vocalization that consists of a series of whistles, trills, and chirps. This song is more elaborate and complex than its simple call and is often performed during courtship displays or interactions between mates.
Display Vocalizations: During courtship displays, Paradise Jacamars may engage in special vocalizations that are part of their intricate mating rituals. These display vocalizations can include soft cooing sounds, purring noises, and other intimate calls exchanged between male and female birds.
Response Calls: Paradise Jacamars also produce specific vocalizations in response to stimuli from their environment, such as the presence of predators, the approach of other birds, or changes in the weather. These response calls help coordinate group behaviors and warn others of potential dangers.
