Habitat
Mature, wet to very wet montane, mist, elfin and limestone forests, and forest edge, with heavy epiphytic growth of bromeliads or Phyllogonium moss. From 510 - 2,200 m, with some birds moving to 210 m outside the breeding season.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and degradation through afforestation with Caribbean pine Pinus caribaea, coffee plantations, removal of trees for charcoal-burning, deliberate fires, small-scale farming and development, and parasitism by Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis), are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Arboreal. Typically forages alone or in pairs around bromeliads 3-12 m above the ground. Behaves like an oriole.
Voice
A loud, wheezing 'zwheezoo-whezoo whe'. Also a 'check' call.
Jamaican Blackbird (Nesopsar nigerrimus) [XC438063]
by id from Woodside Track, Hardwar Gap, St. Andrew Parish, Jamaica (song)
Jamaican Blackbird (Nesopsar nigerrimus) [XC308418]
by Ross Gallardy from Blue Mountains National Park, Portland Parish, Jamaica (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
One of the most specialized icterids. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA indicate that it is close to ancestral stem of quiscaline group, but lacks close living relatives. Previous speculation had suggested possible affinity with Agelaius.
Similar Species
Greater Antillean Grackle (Quiscalus niger) is larger, with a longer, forked tail and pale eye. Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) has a shorter, more conical bill and sometimes forages on the ground. Male Jamaican Becard (Pachyramphus niger) is heavier built, more upright and has a less pointed bill.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet