Melodious Blackbird

Dives dives

eBird provides this description for the Melodious Blackbird:  Fairly common in semi-open habitats of tropical lowlands, usually in pairs or small groups. Feeds on the ground and in trees, often flipping its tail sharply upwards; may associate loosely with grackles, but usually not mixed in with other blackbids. Distinctive but lacks obvious field marks: plumage is wholly black with a slight velvety sheen; note the sharply pointed bill, and dark eyes.

I identified and watched this bird for the first time on the morning of November 17, 2024, during my trip to Belize with The Texas Ornithological Society.  I was walking near the Lamanai Outpost Lodge when I observed the bird and positively identified it using my Merlin App.  Once familiar with the bird’s call, I saw it many more times during my trip.  Below are a few of my pictures of the Melodious Blackbird.