Bolivian Blackbird

About the Bolivian Blackbird

The Bolivian blackbird (Oreopsar bolivianus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae, the oropendolas, New World orioles, and New World blackbirds. It is endemic to Bolivia. The Bolivian blackbird was formally described in 1939 with its current binomial Oreopsar bolivianus. A 2001 publication suggested that its genus be merged into Agelaioides. Doing so would have required that its binomial be Agelaioides oreopsar because Agelaioides bolivianus applied at the time to another species. The proposal was not accepted by major taxonomic systems. However, strong evidence suggests that its closest relative is the greyish baywing (Agelaioides badius).

The Bolivian blackbird is the only member of its genus and has no subspecies. The Bolivian blackbird is about 23 cm (9 in) long. Males weigh an average of 73.5 g (2.6 oz) and females 66.2 g (2.3 oz). The species' bill has a decurved culmen. Adults of both sexes have the same almost entirely black plumage with little iridescence. Their flight feathers are sepia-brown which readily shows in flight. They have a brown iris, a gray bill, and dusky gray legs and feet. Juveniles are similar to adults... Wikipedia →