Greater Antillean bullfinch

Overview

Wikipedia

The Greater Antillean bullfinch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.

Distribution

Region

Greater Antilles

Typical Environment

Occurs on Jamaica and Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), including some nearby satellite islands. It occupies a wide range of semi-open habitats such as dry scrub, coastal thickets, secondary growth, and forest edges. The species also uses plantations, gardens, and shrublands around settlements. In mountainous areas it favors brushy edges and clearings rather than dense interior forest. It is generally absent from extensive closed-canopy rainforest.

Altitude Range

0–1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size15–18 cm

Wing Span22–26 cm

Male Weight0.025 kg

Female Weight0.022 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A robust tanager of the Greater Antilles, the Greater Antillean bullfinch has a thick, conical bill well-suited to cracking tough seeds and fruit. Males are mostly black, often with a reddish-orange throat patch that varies among islands, while females are browner and plainer. It adapts readily to human-altered habitats and is a familiar bird in gardens and forest edges. Formerly placed in Emberizidae, it is now treated within the tanager family Thraupidae.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

pair-forming and moderately territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during breeding, but may join small loose flocks in the non-breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense shrubs or low trees. Both sexes participate in feeding the young, and adults may defend small territories vigorously.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of clear whistles and short, chipping phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp metallic chips and buzzy notes used in contact and alarm.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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The greater coucal or crow pheasant, is a large non-parasitic member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. A widespread resident in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it is divided into several subspecies, some being treated as full species. They are large, crow-like with a long tail and coppery brown wings and found in a wide range of habitats from jungle to cultivation and urban gardens. They are weak fliers, and are often seen clambering about in vegetation or walking on the ground as they forage for insects, eggs and nestlings of other birds. They have a familiar deep resonant call which is associated with omens in many parts of its range.

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