Pl. CXXVIII
The Birds · Plate CXXVIII
Melodious Blackbird
Dives dives
Icteridae · Taxon 10001
| Length | 23–25.5 cm |
| Wingspan | Not reported; no cm range available in the consulted species accounts |
| Weight | 83.4–102 g |
Field marks
- Entirely black plumage with a subtle blue-violet sheen
- Sharply pointed, slightly curved black bill
- Dark brown eye without a contrasting eye-ring
- Long, broad, rounded black tail
- Large black legs and strong feet
- Plain black wings without bars or patches
HabitatSemi-open to open tropical and lower-subtropical landscapes, including forest edges and clearings, open woodland, plantations, pastures, parks, and gardens with scattered trees; generally avoids dense forest and thick undergrowth.
BehaviorUsually seen in pairs or small groups. Forages mainly on the ground but also in trees, taking insects and other arthropods, small vertebrates, seeds, fruit, and nectar. Often flicks the tail sharply upward. Both sexes sing and frequently perform musical duets.
Palette
velvet blackblue-blackviolet sheencharcoal blackdark brown