Cuban Bullfinch

Photo by arthurgrosset
Soplillar, Zapata Swamp, Cuba, February 2005

Melopyrrha nigra

Identification

Length: 14-15 cm (5.5-5.75 in).
Male: black with white along edge of wing; thick curved bill. At least on Cuba, the black is somewhat glossy.
Female: Cuban race is grayish-black, Cayman race is paler, more olive-gray.

Distribution

Only found in Cuba, where it is common and widespread, and Grand Cayman, where it is most abundant at South Sound Swamp, North Side and North Sound Estates.

Taxonomy

This is the only West Indian bullfinch species that does not belong to the genus Loxigilla -- upper mandible is much more curved.

Subspecies

There are 2 subspecies^[1]:

• M. n. nigra:

• Cuba and Isle of Pines

• M. n. taylori:

• Grand Cayman Island

These two subspecies has recently been proposed as full species

Habitat

Found at all elevations, in woodlands, mangroves, brushy areas, and undergrowth in pine areas.

Behaviour

Diet

The diet includes seeds, fruit and insects.

References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. Arthur Grosset
3. Birdforum thread discussing the taxonomy of Cuban Bullfinch

• List of references

Recommended Citation

• BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Cuban Bullfinch. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 12 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Cuban_Bullfinch

External Links

Search for photos of Cuban Bullfinch in the gallery