Geographic range:
Nearctic - Neotropical: Found from south Texas through Mexico and
Central and South America to N Chile and N Argentina. In Mexico on
both slopes from S Sonora and N Coahuila through hotter parts of the
interior south.
Physical characteristics: Entirely
black bird with laterally compressed arched heavy bill, with
2 - 3 visible grooves. Sexes alike, juveniles slightly duller in color.
Size 30 - 35 cm. Long tail.
Food habits: Insects, fruit, seeds.
Reproduction: Nesting occurs singly
or in communal groups, where nest is constructed by members of 2 -
4 pairs. Each female lay eggs into the nest. Nest is made of twigs.
Clutch of a single female has 3 - 5 chalky white eggs.
Behavior: Usually seen in groups.
Travels through bushes, trees, occasionally hopping on the ground.
Flies heavily with several strokes interrupted by a glide.
Habitat: Semiopen habitats - roadsides, second growth, fields,
forest edges. Avoids unbroken forested habitats. |
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