Black catbird

Melanoptila glabrirostris

The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is a songbird species in the monotypic genus Melanoptila, part of the family Mimidae.

Family: Mimidae Order: passerines Conservation: Near Threatened
Black catbird

About the Black catbird

The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is a songbird species in the monotypic genus Melanoptila, part of the family Mimidae. At 19–20.5 cm (7.5–8.1 in) in length and 31.6–42 g (1.11–1.48 oz) in mass, it is the smallest of the mimids. Sexes appear similar, with glossy black plumage, black legs and bill, and dark brownish eyes. The species is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, and is found as far south as Campeche, northern Guatemala and northern Belize. Although there are historical records from Honduras and the US state of Texas, the species is not now known to occur in either location. It is found at low elevations in semi-arid to humid habitats ranging from shrubland and abandoned farmland to woodland with thick understory, and is primarily sedentary. Although it is a mimid, the bl

Fun Facts About Black catbird

  • At 19–20.5 cm (7.5–8.1 in) in length and 31.6–42 g (1.11–1.48 oz) in mass, it is the smallest of the mimids.
  • It is threatened by habitat loss, and has been assessed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
  • The species is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, and is found as far south as Campeche, northern Guatemala and northern Belize.
  • The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is a songbird species in the monotypic genus Melanoptila, part of the family Mimidae.
  • Sexes appear similar, with glossy black plumage, black legs and bill, and dark brownish eyes.

Conservation Status

The Black catbird is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. This species faces threats that could impact its population if conservation measures are not maintained.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyMimidae
GenusMelanoptila
SpeciesMelanoptila glabrirostris

Range & Habitat

Range map of Black catbird

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Related Species

Other species in the Mimidae family: