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The melodious blackbird, Dives dives, presents itself as a medium-sized avian with a rounded tail, cloaked entirely in black with a subtle bluish sheen. The males, slightly larger, measure around 25.5 cm in length and tip the scales at approximately 108 grams. Females, on the other hand, are modestly smaller at 23 cm and 95 grams. Both sexes share the same plumage, while juveniles display a brownish black coloration devoid of the adults' iridescent quality. This species is monotypic, with no recognized subspecies.
To identify the melodious blackbird, look for its entirely black plumage with a bluish gloss, complemented by black bill, legs, and feet. The brown iris stands out against the dark feathers. Juveniles can be distinguished by their lack of gloss and more brownish hue.
The melodious blackbird is an adaptable species, thriving in a variety of environments, though it shuns dense forests and thickets. It has shown a remarkable ability to coexist with humans, often spotted in gardens and lawns.
Native to the tropical New World, the melodious blackbird's range extends from coastal eastern and southeastern Mexico down to Costa Rica. Notably, its territory is on the rise, having spread to El Salvador in the 1950s and eastern Guatemala in the 1960s. It was a rare sight in Costa Rica before 1989 but has since become a common presence as far south as San José, with expectations of reaching Panama.
