Macroagelaius subalaris
The Colombian Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris) is a striking member of the Icteridae family, endemic to the high Andes of Colombia. This medium-sized passerine measures approximately 30-33 cm (12-13 inches) in length, exhibiting a glossy, iridescent black plumage that shimmers with subtle blue-purple hues under certain light conditions, particularly on its head and back. Its most distinctive field mark is its long, graduated tail, which tapers to a point, differentiating it from oth...
Found primarily in humid, high-altitude subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, often frequenting forest edges, clearings, and adjacent shrubby areas. Typically occurs at elevations between 2,000 and 2,800 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans, supplemented with spiders. Also consumes small fruits and berries.
Colombian Mountain Grackles are diurnal and often observed in small, cohesive groups of 2-6 individuals, though they frequently join larger mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly with other icterids or tanagers. Their foraging strategy is predominantly arboreal, where they acrobatically glea...
The Colombian Mountain Grackle is strictly endemic to the humid montane forests of Colombia, primarily inhabiting the central and eastern Andes mountain ranges. Its distribution is fragmented, with populations scattered across departments such as Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Santander, and Tolima. It is...
Near Threatened
- The Colombian Mountain Grackle is endemic to Colombia, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world, making it a true national avian treasure. - Unlike most lowland grackles, it thrives in the cool, misty cloud forests of the Andes at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters. - Its genus, *Macroagelai...