White-throated jacamar explained

The white-throated jacamar (Brachygalba albogularis) is a species of bird in the family Galbulidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.[1] [2]

Taxonomy and systematics

The white-throated jacamar is monotypic.[1] It and the dusky-backed (B. salmoni), pale-headed (B. goeringi), and brown jacamars (B. lugubris) form a superspecies.[3]

Description

The white-throated jacamar is 15to long. The male is distinguished by its white face and throat; its upper parts are dark brown to black with a greenish blue gloss. The belly is also dark brown to black with a chestnut patch in its center. The female is similar, though its chestnut patch may be larger.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The white-throated jacamar is found in a small area of the upper Amazon Basin where eastern Peru, western Brazil, and northern Bolivia abut. It inhabits the edges of primary várzea forest or young growth along whitewater rivers. Examples of the latter include river islands and Gynerium cane and bamboo stands. It is mostly found from mid level up to the canopy. In elevation it has been recorded up to 600m (2,000feet) in Peru.[2]

Behavior

Feeding

The white-throated jacamar's diet is poorly known, but Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera have been identified. It perches in small groups on exposed branches in the canopy and sallies from there to catch its flying prey.[2]

Breeding

One detailed study of the white-throated jacamar's breeding phenology was in Peru's Manu National Park. Nests were found in August and September; they were partially hidden burrows in vertical stream banks. Up to four adults provisioned the young.[4]

Vocalization

The white-throated jacamar's song is " a high, thin series of whistles...'pee-pipi-peeee tewee tewee tewee'" https://www.xeno-canto.org/63189. Its call is "a plaintive upslurred 'psueet' or 'kuweei'" https://www.xeno-canto.org/490283.[2]

Status

The IUCN has assessed the white-throated jacamar as being of Least Concern. "No immediate threats are recorded, although it is probably sensitive to destruction of riverine habitat."[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: IOC World Bird List (v 11.1) . Gill . F. . Donsker. D.. Rasmussen . P. . January 2021 . January 14, 2021 .
  2. Tobias, J., T. Züchner, T.A. de Melo Júnior, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). White-throated Jacamar (Brachygalba albogularis), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.whtjac1.01 retrieved May 10, 2021
  3. Remsen, J. V., Jr., J. I. Areta, E. Bonaccorso, S. Claramunt, A. Jaramillo, D. F. Lane, J. F. Pacheco, M. B. Robbins, F. G. Stiles, and K. J. Zimmer. Version 19 January 2021. A classification of the bird species of South America. American Ornithological Society. https://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm retrieved January 19, 2021
  4. Tobias . J.A. . Seddon . N. . 2003 . Breeding, foraging, and vocal behavior of the White-throated Jacamar (Brachygalba albogularis) . Wilson Bull. . 115 . 3 . 237–240 . 10.1676/02-074 .