Jacamar Paraíso
Purplish Jacamar
Galbula chalcothorax
Song
Purplish Jacamar
Appearance: The Purplish Jacamar stands as a modestly sized bird, spanning dimensions of approximately 22 cm. An aesthetic marvel, it sports a distinctive visage comprising a purplish crown, verdant upper plumage, and a chest adorned in hues of reddish-brown. Its elongated and slender bill stands out as a vital appendage honed for seizing airborne insects in graceful flight maneuvers.
Habitat: Within Colombia, the Purplish Jacamar finds solace in the embrace of tropical and subtropical forests, often frequenting the sheltered canopies and forest peripheries. Showing a predilection for locales near water bodies like rivers, streams, or clearings, it pursues its sustenance in the form of aerial insects.
Behavior: Elegantly perched atop lofty arboreal heights, the Purplish Jacamar engages in keen surveillance, meticulously scanning for airborne prey. Noted for its nimble aerial prowess, it displays adeptness in snaring insects mid-flight with precision. Socially, these avians tend to exhibit solitary tendencies, occasionally forming pairs during the breeding period.
Breeding: Aligned with seasonal cues, the breeding rituals of the Purplish Jacamar unfold typically between the months of February and July. Nest excavation occurs in earthen embankments proximal to aquatic environs, facilitating a conducive ambiance for procreation. A female's clutch, ranging between 2 to 4 eggs, becomes the nucleus of parental devotion, with both progenitors alternating roles in incubation and nurturing.
Conservation Status: Garnering a status of "Least Concern" from the esteemed International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Purplish Jacamar enjoys a sense of relative security.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
Amazon Region: The dense rainforests and diverse ecosystems of the Amazon region in Colombia provide a conducive environment for the Purplish Jacamar. This region's abundant insect population, coupled with the rich biodiversity, creates an ideal habitat for these birds to thrive.
Andean Region: The Andean region of Colombia, characterized by its mountainous terrain and temperate forests, also serves as a habitat for the Purplish Jacamar. Within the Andean foothills and forested areas, these birds can be sighted hunting for insects and nesting in suitable locations.
Taxonomy
The Purplish Jacamar (Galbula chalcothorax)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galbuliformes
- Family: Galbulidae
- Genus: Galbula
- Species: Galbula chalcothorax
Vocalization
Call Notes: The typical call of the Purplish Jacamar is a sharp, high-pitched "kyow" or "chyip" sound, often repeated in quick succession. These calls are used for various purposes, including establishing territorial boundaries, communicating with mates, and signaling alarm in response to potential threats.
Song: The Purplish Jacamar's song is a series of melodious, trilled notes that can vary in length and pitch. Males may use their song to attract females during the breeding season and to defend their territory against rival males.
Duetting: In some cases, Purplish Jacamar pairs engage in duetting, where both male and female birds contribute to a coordinated vocal performance. Duetting can strengthen the pair bond, reinforce territorial boundaries, and potentially deter intruders from their territory.
Aggressive Calls: When defending their territory or responding to perceived threats, Purplish Jacamars may emit harsh, scolding calls to warn off intruders. These aggressive calls can be loud and persistent, serving as a deterrent to competing individuals or predators.
Contact Calls: Purplish Jacamars also use softer, more subdued contact calls to maintain communication with their mates or offspring while foraging or moving within their habitat. These contact calls help coordinate activities and maintain social bonds within the pair or family group.
