Great Kiskadee ( Pitangus sulphuratus )
- Sent by Rodrigo Girardi Santiago - 05/02/2007
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22 cm. The beak is strong and black. The chest and the belly are bright yellow and the back is brown. The throat is white and the head black, with a white band above the eyes. Male and female are similar.
Distribution:
From Texas (U.S.A) to Patagonia.
Habitat:
It is one of the most generalist birds. Thrives in environments as different as rocky beaches and semi-arid landscapes. It is very common in cities. Does not penetrate dense vegetation, but may be found in forests near the riverbanks or in the borders.
Diet:
Also very generalist in the diet, consumes mainly insects, but also fruits, learns to catch small fish and tadpoles (as from the author’s tanks), hunts hatchlings and even small adult birds such as hummingbirds and the bananaquit. Sometimes takes lizards and was once seen by the author killing and eating a small snake in BrasÃlia. When hungry may eat human leftovers and dog food.
Reproduction:
Builds a big nest on the top of tall trees. The nest is made of grass, cotton, stems, roots and even plastic garbage. Lays two to four eggs that are incubated by the female.
It is probably the best known and most popular bird in Brazil. Its popular name, both in English and in Portuguese comes from its typical vocalization. It is very noisy and sometimes sings even in the night. It is also very aggressive and alarms the presence of hawks. Very adaptable and may thrive almost anywhere.
