The Jamaican blackbird is a species of bird in the New World blackbird and oriole family Icteridae. It is the only species (monotypic) in the genus Nesopsar. The species has sometimes been included in the genus Agelaius, but molecular systematics have shown it not be closely related to any living New World blackbird or grackle. The species is endemic to Jamaica, where it is restricted to Cockpit Country, some central areas and the Blue and John Crow Mountains.
Region
Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
This species inhabits wet to moist evergreen and montane forests with abundant epiphytes, mosses, and bromeliads. It is closely associated with mature, undisturbed forest on limestone karst in Cockpit Country and cloud-forest habitats in the Blue and John Crow Mountains. The bird forages primarily in the canopy and subcanopy, climbing trunks and large limbs to probe crevices and epiphyte leaf axils. It avoids open areas and heavily disturbed secondary growth, but may persist where epiphytes remain intact. Shaded plantations or secondary forest with high epiphyte loads can be used occasionally.
Altitude Range
150–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Jamaican blackbird is the sole member of its genus and is found only in Jamaica. It has evolved a strong, wedge-like bill and woodcreeper-like foraging style to pry insects from bark and epiphytes, a striking case of convergent evolution. The species depends heavily on mature, epiphyte-rich forests and is threatened by forest loss and degradation. Protecting Cockpit Country and the Blue and John Crow Mountains is crucial for its survival.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, maintaining territories in mid to upper forest strata. Forages methodically along trunks and large branches, often clinging and probing like a woodcreeper. Breeding is presumed to be monogamous, with both adults participating in care of young. Nests are placed high in trees, typically in dense foliage or among epiphytes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are a mix of harsh, chattering notes and metallic squeaks typical of icterids. The song is variable and somewhat scratchy, delivered from high perches within the canopy. Contact calls carry well through dense forest.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black plumage with a subtle iridescent sheen; feathers appear smooth and sleek with minimal patterning.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, larvae, and spiders. It uses its robust bill to pry bark, probe bromeliads, and extract prey from crevices and leaf axils. Occasional small fruits or nectar may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages on tree trunks, mossy limbs, and within bromeliads and other epiphytes in mature forest. Most feeding occurs in the subcanopy and canopy, rarely on the ground. It favors areas with high epiphyte density and intact forest structure.
