Meet the mesmerizing Dark-Faced Dacnis, an exquisite avian creature boasting a vibrant blue nape and crown, complemented by matching wing fringes. Within a particular subspecies of this captivating bird, the combination of stunning light blue hues, accompanied by dashes of white, yellow, and black, culminates in the creation of a truly distinctive and visually captivating tree-dweller. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting allure of the Dark-Faced Dacnis.
This particular bird is a member of the Thraupidae family and goes by the name of black-faced honeydew, or Dacnis carinegra (Dacnis lineata). To say the least, the males of this species are exceptionally remarkable and captivating. Their belly is mostly blue, complemented by a white underbelly. However, in one subspecies, the white belly is replaced by a vibrant yellow hue. In all variations of this bird, the nape and crown are adorned with a beautiful shade of blue, and their wings display consistent fringes of the same color. Their eyes are accentuated by a beak that surrounds them, while a black mask extends from their back to their tail. Their bills, legs, and feet possess a gray tint, and their iris showcases a brilliant, vivid shade of yellow.
The female bird displays a soft grayish hue on its underside and is predominantly adorned in shades of olive-green on its upper body.
These delightful avian creatures can be found traversing diverse territories, stretching from Bolivia to certain regions of Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and extending further north into Colombia.
Yellow-bellied individuals can be observed in the regions of central and northwest Colombia. In the lush forests of the Amazon and Chocó-Magdalena, the black-faced dacnis thrive, especially in areas prone to being wet and flooded or marshy. Their diet consists mainly of insects, seeds, and berries, but they also enjoy indulging in juicy fruits. To satisfy their cravings, they diligently search the upper levels of the towering trees, usually hovering between 10 to 50 meters above the earth. However, on rare occasions, they gracefully descend to pluck succulent fruits from nearby shrubs.
During the mating season, both the male and female actively collaborate in building their nest. The female takes on the responsibility of laying three to five eggs, which are solely cared for by her during the incubation period, while the male ensures her needs are met. Once the chicks hatch, both parents take part in feeding them until they are capable of flying independently.
According to the IUCN Red List, this particular bird species shows no signs of population decline as it inhabits a vast range, thus not meeting the criteria for a declining population.
