Jamaican Becard
NameJamaican Becard
Common NameJamaican Becard
Scientific NamePachyramphus niger
FamilyTityridae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsMales are uniformly glossy black, sometimes with a faint bluish sheen. Females have brownish-black upperparts and grayish underparts, with a slightly paler throat. Both sexes have dark eyes and a relatively stout, slightly hooked bill.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a series of clear, whistled notes, often described as 'swee-swee-swee-swee' or 'peet-peet-peet-peet-peet'. It also produces various chattering and buzzing calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Jamaica, found throughout suitable forested habitats across the island.
Identifying FeaturesUniform glossy black plumage (male), Duller brownish-black and grayish plumage (female), Medium size with a relatively short tail, Stout, slightly hooked bill, Endemic to Jamaica
Description
The Jamaican Becard is a medium-sized passerine endemic to Jamaica. Males are entirely glossy black, while females are duller brownish-black above and grayish below. They typically forage in the canopy and subcanopy of various forest types, primarily feeding on insects and fruits.
