Jamaican Becard Pachyramphus niger Scientific name definitions

The only becard in the West Indies, the Jamaican Becard is a plain-colored though distinctively-shaped resident of montane woodlands throughout the island of Jamaica. The male is all dark slaty gray, and the female is clay red above, with a reddish face and throat, and a pale gray chest and belly. Both sexes can be identified from any other bird on Jamaica by the large, rounded head, large bill, and vertical perching position.  The Jamaican Becard forages in the sub-canopy and canopy for fruit and insects. The loud and distinctive squeaky calls can be heard more often than this bird can be seen.

18 cm; 38·9–41·5 g. Male is entirely black, except white mark at base of wing (in flight); iris dark; bill black; legs blackish. Female has deep brown crown, reddish-brown upperparts, cinnamon cheek, neck and throat to upper breast, pale grey underparts. Immature is similar to female.

Jamaica.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Restricted-range species: present in Jamaica EBA. Widespread and locally fairly common. About 75% of original forest cover on Jamaica has already been cleared, and remaining forest is largely second growth. Nevertheless, this species survives well in secondary habitats and is tolerant of disturbed habitats.