Habitat
Canopy and borders of humid montane forest, including plantations of non-native trees, scrubby areas and old second growth, cleared areas, including pastures and along roads. From 800 - 2,400 m.
Colombian Andes from Antioquia south, discontinuously, to Putumayo.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 1,000 - 2,499 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through timber extraction and agricultural development, brood parasitism (Giant Cowbird (Molothrus oryzivorus)), persecution as a maize crop-pest, and trapping for the cage-bird trade, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Groups of up to 50, but fewer when breeding.
Food
Fruit and insects.
Voice
Various calls, some liquid and gurgling, others wheezy, including, 'glok-glok', 'shleee-o', 'schleee'.
Red-bellied Grackle (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster) [XC102556]
by Mauricio \u00c1lvarez Rebolledo (Colecci\u00f3n de Sonidos Ambientales - Instituto Humboldt) from Chestnut-capped Piha ProAves reserve, Colombia (contact call of a group + display call? the 3 sharp notes are emited by one of t)
Red-bellied Grackle (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster) [XC560064]
by Peter Boesman from Reserva de la Sociedad civil Karagavi, Colombia (imitation, song, mimicry\/imitation)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Molecular-genetic data indicate that this species' closest relatives are Gymnomystax and Lampropsar, but that it has evolved in isolation for a long time (4 million years) and is highly distinctive.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet