Melodious Blackbird

The melodious blackbird, Dives dives, presents itself as a medium-sized avian with a rounded tail, cloaked entirely in black with a subtle bluish sheen. The males, slightly larger, measure around 25.5 cm in length and tip the scales at approximately 108 grams. Females, on the other hand, are modestly smaller at 23 cm and 95 grams. Both sexes share the same plumage, while juveniles display a brownish black coloration devoid of the adults' iridescent quality. This species is monotypic, with no recognized subspecies.

Identification Tips

To identify the melodious blackbird, look for its entirely black plumage with a bluish gloss, complemented by black bill, legs, and feet. The brown iris stands out against the dark feathers. Juveniles can be distinguished by their lack of gloss and more brownish hue.

Habitat

The melodious blackbird is an adaptable species, thriving in a variety of environments, though it shuns dense forests and thickets. It has shown a remarkable ability to coexist with humans, often spotted in gardens and lawns.

Distribution

Native to the tropical New World, the melodious blackbird's range extends from coastal eastern and southeastern Mexico down to Costa Rica. Notably, its territory is on the rise, having spread to El Salvador in the 1950s and eastern Guatemala in the 1960s. It was a rare sight in Costa Rica before 1989 but has since become a common presence as far south as San José, with expectations of reaching Panama.

Behaviour

Outside of breeding season, the melodious blackbird may gather in small flocks. However, during breeding, pairs become fiercely territorial, boldly confronting predators such as the brown jay.

Song & Calls

The melodious blackbird communicates through a duet between mates, starting with a "see" note, followed by a "whit" and a whistle reminiscent of the northern cardinal. Its call is a distinctive metallic "puitt."

Breeding

The breeding display of this species involves both partners spreading their tails, extending wings, and ruffling feathers. They construct a cup-shaped nest adorned with mud and dung, placed 3-7 meters high in a bush or tree. The female lays a clutch of three to four blue eggs with brown blotches and incubates them solo, though the male contributes to feeding the young. Interestingly, this species does not seem to be affected by cowbird parasitism.

Diet and Feeding

The melodious blackbird forages primarily on the ground, hunting for insects. It also partakes in nectar, ripening maize, and fruits from trees like the gumbo-limbo and Trophis racemosa.

Conservation Status

The melodious blackbird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has proven to be a beneficiary of deforestation, which has facilitated its rapid territorial expansion by creating new suitable habitats.