The Chopi Blackbird is a robust blackbird of the Pantanal, known for its powerful and melodious song that echoes through open fields.

Gnorimopsar chopi (Chopi Blackbird): Chopi Blackbird of the Pantanal

Introduction

The Chopi Blackbird (Gnorimopsar chopi) is one of the most characteristic species of the Pantanal avifauna. It is a robust blackbird with glossy black plumage. This species is part of the rich bird diversity of the Pantanal, a biome that hosts more than 650 species and is considered one of the best birdwatching destinations in the world [1] [2].

Scientific Classification

Category	Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Gnorimopsar
Species	Gnorimopsar chopi
Common Name	Chopi Blackbird

Description

Robust blackbird with glossy black plumage. Strong, slightly curved black bill. Both sexes are similar. It can be distinguished from other blackbirds by its size and the shape of its bill. Length ranges between 22-25 cm and weight between 60-80 g.

Geographic Distribution

Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. In Brazil, it occurs in the Pantanal, Cerrado, and southern regions. In the Pantanal, it is common in open fields and forest edges.

Habitat

Open fields, pastures, forest edges, and urban areas. Highly adaptable to modified environments.

Behavior

Lives in pairs or small groups. Its powerful and melodious song is one of the most striking in the Pantanal. Often sings from high perches to mark territory. Forages mainly on the ground.

Diet

Insects, seeds, fruits, and small vertebrates. A generalist feeder.

Reproduction

Nests in tree hollows, abandoned nests of other birds, or even in palm trees. Lays 3-4 light blue eggs with dark spots. Incubation lasts 14-15 days.

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN. Common in the Pantanal.

References

[1] SICK, H. (1997). Ornitologia Brasileira. Nova Fronteira. [2] TUBELIS, D.P.; TOMAS, W.M. (2003). Bird species of the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Ararajuba, v.11, n.1. [3] DEL HOYO, J. (1992). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions. [4] IUCN. (2023). Gnorimopsar chopi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [5] COLLAR, N.J. (1992). Threatened Birds of the Americas. ICBP.