Chopi Blackbird

The Chopi Blackbird is a species of bird in the Icteridae family. It is monotypic within the genus Gnorimopsar. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, pastureland, and heavily degraded former forest.

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

The Chopi Blackbird (Gnorimopsar chopi) is a species of bird in the Icteridae family. It is monotypic within the genus Gnorimopsar. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, pastureland, and heavily degraded former forest. References - * BirdLife International 2004. Gnorimopsar chopi. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. More

Chopi blackbirds are gregarious, and are generally seen in flocks, which may be large. They invariably roost in large groups, commonly in palm trees. They are extremely vocal, and there is continuous vocalization in flocks, even when flying. Singing and courtship tend to take place in trees. FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET Forages more commonly on the ground than in trees where they eat a variety of plant and animal food. REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY Monogamous. More

The Chopi Blackbird is identifiable by the groves in the bill. In tennis there is the concept of the ready position, to which one should return after every shot. I had been shooting something with f2.8, and forgot to reset the camera. Then I took this shot, and am including it here because the eye is in focus, where I had so much light and could have chosen a f setting to keep more of the bird in focus. More

At first glance you may think that the Chopi Blackbird is a bird that lacks field marks. His wholly black plumage is shared by many similar-sized birds, including several in the same family (Icteridae). Therefore you will think it strange if I tell you that the Chopi is actually is actually one of the most distinctive and easy to identify of all the blackbirds! The reason? He tells you what he is himself, with his incessant "Chop-Pee!" call! Click on the images to enlarge them. More