Eastern Andes of Colombia from Norte de Santander and Santander southern on western slope to Cundinamarca.
 
Population
Estimated population is 1,000 - 2,499 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and degradation through logging, burning and conversion to agriculture, cutting for firewood and grazing by cattle, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
It associates with mixed species frugivore flocks. Has been recorded in flocks of up to 30 individuals.
Voice
Song is highly variable, including a variety of screeches, whistles and other noises, including a ringing 'tirititiuu, tirititiuu, tirititiuu'.
Colombian Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris) [XC106390]
by Oswaldo Cortes from Soata (Reserva de Aves para Amazilia castaneiventris y Macroagelaius), Colombia (song)
Colombian Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris) [XC91858]
by Oswaldo Cortes from Soata (Reserva de Aves para Amazilia castaneiventris y Macroagelaius), Colombia (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Closely related to and forming a superspecies with Golden-tufted Grackle (Macroagelaius imthurni) and have sometimes been regarded as conspecific, but differ appreciably in body and bill proportions, plumage and vocalizations.
Similar Species
Giant Cowbird (Molothrus oryzivorus) has longer bill, shiny plumage, neck ruff, and lacks chestnut wing linings.
References
See References.