| Black Catbird | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Mimidae |
| Genus: | Melanoptila |
| Species: | Melanoptila glabrirostris |
The Black Catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is the smallest bird in the family Mimidae and the only bird in the genus Melanoptila.
Description[]
The Black Catbird is, basically and generally, to be described as "full of black". It has a glossy, completely black plumage with a purplish sheen. Its legs and beak are completely black. The only thing that is not "full of black" in these birds is the iris, which is red in adults and grey in young. It has short, rounded wings along with a relatively long tail. Being the smallest bird in the family Mimidae, it is 19–20.5 cm in length and 31.6–42 g in mass.
Voice[]
Unlike any other mimid in general, the Black Catbird doesn't imitate the vocalizations of other birds. Its song consists of repetitive phrases of tones that range from harsh and coarse to flute-like, often interspersed with resonant crackling sounds. It often sings in open high places. It has a variety of calls, including those that closely resemble the calls of the Gray Catbird, and are described in various forms as the dissonant rriah, a nasal chrrh and a grating tcheeu.
Behavior[]
Feeding[]
No detailed studies have been done into the diet of the Black Catbird, but it is believed to be an omnivore. It forages low down and gleans insects in dense, shrubby vegetation. It also has been known to eat the fruits of Bursera simaruba and Ficus cotinifolia trees.
Breeding and Nesting[]
Little is known about the breeding and nesting biology of the Black Catbird. Its breeding season appears to last from spring through summer. In Belize, nest building was observed in early May and small young were found in a nest in Mexico in mid-August. The nest, an open cup of twigs lined with rootlets and other fine material, is built low in a dense bush or small tree. The female lays 2 greenish-blue eggs. However, details of nest-building, incubation times, parental care, fledging periods and number of broods are unknown.
Distribution and Habitat[]
The Black Catbird is distributed on the Yucatan Peninsula (southeastern Mexico, northern Guatemala and Belize) and occurs in the lowlands in a variety of habitats, from shrubs and abandoned farmland to the edge of the forest. It prefers areas with dense thickets, shrubs or undergrowth.