The Cuban grassquit is a small bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is endemic to Cuba.
Region
Greater Antilles (Cuba)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the main island of Cuba and several nearby cays, including Isla de la Juventud. It inhabits dry to moist scrub, forest edges, thickets, second-growth, and overgrown agricultural lands, and it readily occurs in gardens and hedgerows. The species favors dense, brushy cover and grassy patches where seeds are abundant. It is generally a lowland and foothill bird but ranges upslope where suitable scrub persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Cuban grassquit is a small tanager (family Thraupidae) found only in Cuba and nearby islets. Males show bold black-and-white facial patterning, while females are duller and more olive-brown. It has adapted well to shrubby edges, second-growth, and agricultural areas, though local populations have been affected by past cage-bird trapping. Its cup nest is built low in dense shrubbery.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Often in small flocks outside the breeding season and frequently associates with other seed-eating passerines. Pairs form during the breeding season and defend small territories within dense shrubs. The nest is a small cup placed low in thorny bushes or tangled vines, with clutches typically of 2–4 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, tinkling trills and buzzy notes delivered from exposed perches. Calls include thin tseep and sharp chip notes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Male with a black head and throat sharply contrasted by white patches on the sides of the neck and face, with olive-green upperparts and dusky olive underparts. Female is dull olive-brown above with a paler, grayish to buffy throat and faint facial markings; underparts are grayish-buff. Both sexes have a short, thick, conical bill suited to seed-cracking.
Diet
Primarily eats grass and weed seeds, supplemented by small fruits and tender plant parts. During the breeding season it adds small insects and larvae to meet protein demands. It forages mostly low, gleaning from seed heads and picking items from the ground or low shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Edges of fields, overgrown lots, scrub, hedgerows, and backyard gardens where seed-bearing grasses and weeds are plentiful. Often feeds in small groups, moving through dense cover and open patches in quick hops.
