Antbirds tend to mate for life. Both male and female
are active nest builders. One species, the Ocellated
Antbird (Phaenostictus mcleannani; plate 10- 39),
forms clans. Sons and grandsons of a pair return to the
breeding territory with mates to form clans, and a clan
will occasionally attack an intruding clan. Antbirds also
sometimes intimidate migrant thrushes that attempt to
gather at ant swarms.
Antpittas (family Grallariidae) usually present a
challenge for observation, though they sing from their
oft- hidden perches with gusto. These birds anatomically
resemble the Old World pittas (family Pittidae) but
lack the vibrant colors that typify this group. Antpittas
all have chunky bodies and stand upright on long legs
(plates 15- 116– 117). They hop along the forest floor in
the understory shade.Blackbirds, Oropendolas, Caciques,
and OriolesThe large avian family Icteridae, the New World
blackbirds, includes the blackbirds and their relatives,
such as orioles and meadowlarks. There are 112 species,
most living in the Neotropics, but some, like the
familiar Red- winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus),
inhabiting North America. Some icterids are very
colorful, and all are interesting.
One of the most common birds of much of Central
America is a large (46 cm/18 in) blackbird, the Great-
tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus; plate 15- 118). It
is common in urban areas as well as open habitats but
prefers to be relatively near the coast. It ranges from
the Gulf Coast in North America to coastal areas of
Ecuador. It sometimes roosts in large numbers around
towns, and flocks can be very noisy. Males are sleek
iridescent black, with long tails and bright yellow eyes.
Females are somewhat smaller and rich brown.
Other grackle and blackbird species are locally
distributed throughout the Neotropics. Two of the
most striking are the Red- breasted Blackbird (Sturnella
militaris; plate 15- 119), found in open agricultural
areas, and the Oriole Blackbird (Gymnomystax
mexicanus; plate 15- 120), common in grasslands,
savannas, and marshes of northern Amazonia.
Not all Neotropical blackbirds are so colorful.
The aptly named Unicolored Blackbird (Agelasticus
cyanopus; plate 15- 121) occurs mostly in southern
Amazonia and the Pantanal south to Argentina.Plate 15- 118. The Great- tailed Grackle is hard to miss among
Neotropical bird species. This is a male. Photo by John Kricher.Plate 15- 120. The Oriole Blackbird is found in open areas
near water and is frequently seen along the Amazon and its
tributaries. Photo by Andrew Whittaker.Plate 15- 119. The male Red- breasted Blackbird is obvious as it
perches atop a shrub to defend its territory during breeding
season. Photo by John Kricher.chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd 303