Great Kiskadee(Bem-te-vi)
Great Kiskadee(Bem-te-vi)
Identifiable thanks to the splash of sunshine-yellow feathers on its belly, the Great Kiskadee (locally known as the "bem-te-vi”) is one of the most visible Pantanal residents. In truth, it’s probably also the most wide-spread bird in Brazil … it's difficult to go for a walk, anywhere, and not see or hear one singing. Aside from the Pantanal, the species has adapted well to areas with human habitation so is also common in the towns and cities,
Overview
This species is a well-known and highly visible part of the Pantanal environment. It's local name,"bem-te-vi" - and the English-language name, "Kiskadee" both echo the way that its calls seem to boldly greet visitors and Pantanal residents.
- The species' range covers almost the entirety of South America, except for the southern-most tip and the Pacific coast east of the Andes.
- The range stretches further through Central America, Mexico and into Texas.
Behaviour and Habitat
The Great Kiskadee nests in open woodland where there are suitable tall trees, or in areas at the forest's edge. This habitat includes cultivated areas around human habitation, and even urban areas around parks and gardens. It's a species that's adapted remarkably well to varying environments, thriving in both natural and human-altered landscapes.
The Great Kiskadee is noisy, gregarious, and bold. It isn't one to shy away from attention.Its loud calls serve as both a territorial declaration and a means of communication with other nearby kiskadees. It can frequently be seen perched conspicuously on branches or utility wires - a location which allows it to spy for its prey which includes insects, small lizards or rodents, and even fruits onto which it will quickly pounce. It will even dive into shallow water for aquatic prey such as frogs, tadpoles, and small fish. When walking through the Pantanal, you're likely to see Kiskadees waiting nearby - eagerly watching to see what gets flushed out as visitors or large animals passing through their territory. The Great Kiskadee's boldness extends to its mobbing behaviour of other larger species including raptors - diving and zooming at them in mid-air, while emitting harsh calls to alert prey of the predator's presence. This makes raptors chance of a successful hunt near zero and encourages them to move on. This aggressive behaviour is also a form of self-defence for the Great Kiskadee as the species, including chicks, are sometimes taken as prey by passing raptors.
As an opportunistic feeder, the Great Kiskadee plays a vital ecological role in its ecosystem. By preying on insects and controlling their populations, they help maintain ecological balance and contributes to pest control—an invaluable service appreciated by farmers and gardeners alike. Additionally, its role as a seed disperser aids in the propagation of plant species, further underscoring its ecological significance.
The Great Kiskadee is noisy, gregarious, and bold. It isn't one to shy away from attention.Its loud calls serve as both a territorial declaration and a means of communication with other nearby kiskadees. It can frequently be seen perched conspicuously on branches or utility wires - a location which allows it to spy for its prey which includes insects, small lizards or rodents, and even fruits onto which it will quickly pounce. It will even dive into shallow water for aquatic prey such as frogs, tadpoles, and small fish. When walking through the Pantanal, you're likely to see Kiskadees waiting nearby - eagerly watching to see what gets flushed out as visitors or large animals passing through their territory. The Great Kiskadee's boldness extends to its mobbing behaviour of other larger species including raptors - diving and zooming at them in mid-air, while emitting harsh calls to alert prey of the predator's presence. This makes raptors chance of a successful hunt near zero and encourages them to move on. This aggressive behaviour is also a form of self-defence for the Great Kiskadee as the species, including chicks, are sometimes taken as prey by passing raptors.
As an opportunistic feeder, the Great Kiskadee plays a vital ecological role in its ecosystem. By preying on insects and controlling their populations, they help maintain ecological balance and contributes to pest control—an invaluable service appreciated by farmers and gardeners alike. Additionally, its role as a seed disperser aids in the propagation of plant species, further underscoring its ecological significance.
Scientific Name
Pitangus sulphuratus
Local Name
Bem-te-vi
Description
The Great Kiskadee is a species of Tyrant Flycatcher.
Males and females share the same coloration and are difficult to distinguish. Adults measure about 25cm in length, and have a wingspan of up to 39cm. It's easily recognisable thanks to its bold yellow front, its dark brown back and wings, with a white head, black cap and distinctive black band across its eyes.
Hidden below its black feather cap is a small crest of brilliant yellow feathers that it only displays when excited.
Reproduction
REWRITE:
Great kiskadees are monogamous and defend a territory. Both sexes build a large domed nest that has a side entrance. It is chiefly composed of grasses and small twigs but can also incorporate lichen, string, and plastic. The birds will steal material from other nests. The nest is placed in a wide range of sites, often in an exposed position high up in a tree or on man-made structures.Occasionally the nest is placed in a cavity. The clutch is 3 to 4 eggs. These are moderately glossy, light yellowish cream in colour with purplish black and purplish brown spots. The average size is 27.9 mm × 20.0 mm (1.10 in × 0.79 in). Only the female incubates the eggs; the male guards the nest while she leaves the nest to feed.The eggs hatch after 16–17 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge after 17–18 days
They defend territory boundaries during the breeding season, mostly through screeching, chasing, and a “wings-up” display in which they rear their wings back and slowly move them up and down in an exaggerated manner. They also flutter their wings at intruders raising the head and neck, lowering the bill, and showing off a yellow crown patch (they do this during courtship as well). Great Kiskadees are monogamous and maintain their pair bond throughout the year and during successive years.
Great Kiskadees choose nest trees in open woodlands, along a forest edge, or in a lone tree within about 100 feet of the forest edge. They usually build their nests in the forks of trees, but sometimes in the upper crown. They like spots along branches dangling over water, also hidden among dense foliage or vines. In south Texas kiskadees nest in trees such as hackberries, elms, and Mexican ash. In the tropics they often nest in bull’s-horn acacias where colonies of stinging ants or wasps also live. Sometimes Great Kiskadees nest in cavities such as old woodpecker holes or Purple Martin houses.
NEST DESCRIPTION
Both sexes work together to build the nest, gathering grasses, thin twigs, moss, and paper or cotton. They gather these from vegetation while hovering, pick them up from the ground, or sometimes raid them from another bird’s nest. The birds begin by making a cup of soft grasses on a platform and then gradually build up the sides to make a domed roof. The finished nest is a tall, bulky, woven structure about 13–18 inches tall and 10 inches wide with a side entrance. The top of the nest hangs over the entrance hole like an awning.
Great kiskadees are monogamous and defend a territory. Both sexes build a large domed nest that has a side entrance. It is chiefly composed of grasses and small twigs but can also incorporate lichen, string, and plastic. The birds will steal material from other nests. The nest is placed in a wide range of sites, often in an exposed position high up in a tree or on man-made structures.Occasionally the nest is placed in a cavity. The clutch is 3 to 4 eggs. These are moderately glossy, light yellowish cream in colour with purplish black and purplish brown spots. The average size is 27.9 mm × 20.0 mm (1.10 in × 0.79 in). Only the female incubates the eggs; the male guards the nest while she leaves the nest to feed.The eggs hatch after 16–17 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge after 17–18 days
They defend territory boundaries during the breeding season, mostly through screeching, chasing, and a “wings-up” display in which they rear their wings back and slowly move them up and down in an exaggerated manner. They also flutter their wings at intruders raising the head and neck, lowering the bill, and showing off a yellow crown patch (they do this during courtship as well). Great Kiskadees are monogamous and maintain their pair bond throughout the year and during successive years.
Great Kiskadees choose nest trees in open woodlands, along a forest edge, or in a lone tree within about 100 feet of the forest edge. They usually build their nests in the forks of trees, but sometimes in the upper crown. They like spots along branches dangling over water, also hidden among dense foliage or vines. In south Texas kiskadees nest in trees such as hackberries, elms, and Mexican ash. In the tropics they often nest in bull’s-horn acacias where colonies of stinging ants or wasps also live. Sometimes Great Kiskadees nest in cavities such as old woodpecker holes or Purple Martin houses.
NEST DESCRIPTION
Both sexes work together to build the nest, gathering grasses, thin twigs, moss, and paper or cotton. They gather these from vegetation while hovering, pick them up from the ground, or sometimes raid them from another bird’s nest. The birds begin by making a cup of soft grasses on a platform and then gradually build up the sides to make a domed roof. The finished nest is a tall, bulky, woven structure about 13–18 inches tall and 10 inches wide with a side entrance. The top of the nest hangs over the entrance hole like an awning.
Conservation and Threats
Its bold behaviour doesn't always protect the Great Kiskadee. Although they will valiantly defend their nests and offspring when necessary, Great Kiskadees can find themselves as prey for small mammals (such as marmosets and monkeys) and reptiles, as well as raptor species mentioned earlier. These predators will readily take the opportunity to stealthily approach a nest or sleeping birds, then quickly strike. This occurs particularly during the dry season in the Pantanal when other food sources can be scarce.
Additionally, despite its adaptability and widespread distribution, the Great Kiskadee faces various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and predation by introduced species. While it is not currently considered globally threatened, concerted efforts are needed to safeguard its habitats and ensure its continued presence in the wild.
Additionally, despite its adaptability and widespread distribution, the Great Kiskadee faces various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and predation by introduced species. While it is not currently considered globally threatened, concerted efforts are needed to safeguard its habitats and ensure its continued presence in the wild.
Similar Species also in the Pantanal.
There is a Lesser Kiskadee (Philohydor lictor) is also present in the Pantanal. It's more slender, notably with a longer and thinner bill, and smaller overall size. Adults average 19cm in length, compared to the 25cm size of the Great Kiskadee. While the call is similar - it's less clear (sounding more nasal or buzzy) version of the "bem-te-vi" call. When nesting, the Lesser Kiskadee forgoes Great Kiskadee's large bulky oblong dome nest with its distinctive side entrance - and, instead, opts for a simple cup nest.
Other species sharing a similar appearance include the Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis), Rusty-Margined Flycatcher (Myiozetetes cayanensis), and Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua). These tend to be even smaller in size and don't emit the Kiskadee's tell-tale call.
Other species sharing a similar appearance include the Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis), Rusty-Margined Flycatcher (Myiozetetes cayanensis), and Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua). These tend to be even smaller in size and don't emit the Kiskadee's tell-tale call.
Top: Juvenile Great Kiskadee. Credit: Sturm
Bottom: Great Kiskadee showing its crest as part of a courtship display. Credit: Andy Morffew.
Quick Facts
- Great Kiskadee weighs around 54 to 60 g.
- Adults measure about 25cm in length, and have a wingspan of up to 39cm
- Nests typically contain 3-4 eggs.
- The oldest known Great Kiskadee (recorded in Texas) reached an age of 6 years and 11 months.
- Although usually seen as solitary birds or in pairs, kiskadees have been observed exhibiting strong social behaviours. They're occasionally seen gathering in small groups where they've perform a non-stop "singing show”, lasting for several minutes.
- The black band across the Great Kiskadee's eyes serves a practical purpose - in the same way that football players sometimes smear black grease below their eyes. It reduces glare and assists them hunting in bright light or where light is reflecting off water.
- The species was introduced to the island of Bermuda in 1957 as part of an effort to control large population of introduced Anolis grahami lizards from Jamaica (and which were, themselves, introduced in 1905 to control fruit flies). The original population of 200 birds has now swelled to around 60,000 … but the lizards they were intended to control also remain widespread.
RELATED LINKS
Banner image: Great Kiskadee / Pitangus sulphuratus (Bernard Du Pont/Wikimedia)