Friday, September 24, 2010

Jamaican Blackbird - Jamaica 2003

Page 46

Jamaica Post Administration issued the miniature sheet composed of 5 (five) stamps depicted Jamaican Blackbird (Nesopsar nigerrimus) , from young  grow to adult species. The logo of Bird Life International and logo of Bird Life Jamaica marked on the sheet.

The Jamaican Blackbird (Nesopsar nigerrimus) is a small icterid with all black plumage and has a short tail that is often frayed . The Jamaican Blackbird  has shorter legs and longer claws that typical icterids, uses its tail for support when climbing tree trunks, both of which are adaptations to its niche, and has a longer bill and stronger jaw muscles. The Jamaican Blackbird or Nepsopsar nigerrimus  is the only species (monotypic) in the genus Nesopsar. The species is endemic to Jamaica, where it is restricted to Cockpit Country, some central areas and the Blue and John Crow Mountains. The majority of the food taken by this species is found on the trunks of trees and their inner branches, feeding on animal prey, mostly insects, which it finds in bark or in bromeliads. The Jamaican Blackbird is strictly arboreal and has a wheezing call.

The principal threat to the Jamaican Blackbird is habitat loss. There are numerous threats to Jamaican forests, including bauxite mining, charcoal burning, forestry, farming and development. This species is particularly vulnerable because it is dependent on large trees which support lots of epiphytes. Therefore the Jamaican Blackbird  is listed as endangered by the IUCN. Now this bird protected in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, and efforts are underway to stop bauxite mining in Cockpit Country.

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