AGELAIUS HUMERALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Agelaius humeralis, commonly known as the tawny-shouldered blackbird, is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Icteridae. This bird is found exclusively in South America, specifically in the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The tawny-shouldered blackbird has a distinctive appearance characterized by a medium-sized body and a length ranging from 19 to 22 centimeters. The male has striking black plumage with a bright orange-yellow shoulder patch on its wings, while the female is slightly duller, featuring brownish-black feathers and a lighter-colored shoulder patch.
These birds primarily inhabit wetlands, marshes, and grassy areas near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and swamps. They are social animals, typically forming small to large flocks during the non-breeding season. In terms of diet, Agelaius humeralis is omnivorous, feeding on insects, nectar, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates and eggs.
During the breeding season, the males use their melodious calls to establish and defend territories, often perching prominently on trees or bulrushes. They construct cup-shaped nests using plant materials, cut reeds, and mud. After mating, the female lays three to five eggs that are pale blue or green with dark markings.
Despite being relatively common in their range, the tawny-shouldered blackbird faces threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and the degradation of wetland ecosystems. Conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect their habitats and raise awareness about their importance in maintaining ecological balance.
Etymology of AGELAIUS HUMERALIS
The term "Agelaius humeralis" is a scientific name used for a species of bird known as the red-winged blackbird. In scientific nomenclature, the generic name (Agelaius) and specific epithet (humeralis) are used to provide a unique identifier for the species.
The etymology of "Agelaius" can be traced back to the Ancient Greek language. It is derived from the word "agelaios" (ἀγελαιος), which means "belonging to a flock" or "gregarious". This refers to the social nature of blackbirds that tend to gather in large flocks.
The specific epithet "humeralis" originates from the Latin word "humerus", meaning "shoulder".
