Black-headed Saltator

The genus Saltator is apparently polyphyletic.

The Black-headed Saltator is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

another-, black-headed saltator, wind on foliage 1992-02-17 Ohio State University view Saltator atriceps black-headed saltator Background: long-billed gnatwren 1992-02-14 Ohio State University view Saltator coerulescens grayish saltator Background: constant-, loud-, traffic or car, rufous-collared sparrow, narration, birds, domestic dog 1997-07-22 Ohio State University view Saltator coerulescens More

The Black-headed Saltator, Saltator atriceps, is a seedeating bird. Traditionally placed in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae), it actually seems to be closer to the tanagers (Thraupidae). It breeds from central Mexico to eastern Panama. The genus Saltator is apparently polyphyletic. Whether the present species will remain in Saltator or eventually be moved to another genus remains to be seen. More

The Black-headed Saltator feeds on fruit, buds, nectar and slow-moving insects. It forages at low and mid levels, sometimes with mixed species flocks. Breeding / Nesting: The two black-marked pale blue eggs per clutch measure some 24-34 mm long by about 18-23.5 mm wide and weigh about 4.9-5.5 grams each. More

Black-headed Saltator, SALTATOR ATRICEPSThese mornings if you walk on the tree-shaded dirt trail down between the irrigated cornfields and pastures or wander the fire-ravaged, scrubby slopes and woods edges, one bird seems to be making more noise than all the others. "Noise" isn't a nice way to describe a birdcall that must constitute heartfelt and lucid communication to the bird, but if you'd hear it you'd understand. Typically the calls are of two qualities. More

For the purposes of our bird news services, Black-headed Saltator is classed as ungraded: species which are unlikely to appear as wild birds in Britain or Ireland (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance. More

Black-headed Saltator - Photo copyright Knut Eisermann of Cayaya BirdingBlack-headed Saltator Photo copyright Knut Eisermann of Cayaya Birding... Buff-throated Saltator - Photo copyright Jean CoronelBuff-throated SaltatorPhoto copyright Jean Coronel Black-winged Saltator Greyish Saltator - Photo copyright Russ JonesGreyish SaltatorPhoto copyright Russ Jones Green-winged Saltator Orinocan Saltator - Photo copyright Kanae HirabasshiOrinocan Saltator Photo copyright Kanae Hirabasshi... More

Black-headed Saltator was little-known (although noted) from the Pacific slope of Panama until the birder saturation of the El Valle area in recent years revealed that this species is indeed locally common here (at La Mesa) and east to the edge of Altos del Maria. Canopy Tower guests may also find it on the Caribbean slope in coastal Col More