The Puerto Rican bullfinch is a small bullfinch tanager endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico. The species can be commonly found in heavy forests throughout Puerto Rico, except on the easternmost tip of the island. It consumes seeds, fruits, insects, and spiders. The nest is spherical, with an entrance on the side. Typically three light green eggs are laid.
Region
Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Typical Environment
Found across much of Puerto Rico in dense native and secondary forests, shade coffee plantations, and scrubby thickets, but generally scarce toward the island’s easternmost tip. It favors the understory and midstory where cover is thick, often along forest edges and ravines. Birds also use karst forest and moist montane habitats, and will visit gardens with dense shrub layers. Although shy, it can become locally common where forest structure is intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A robust-billed tanager, the Puerto Rican bullfinch is endemic to the Puerto Rico archipelago and is often heard before it is seen, giving sharp metallic calls from dense foliage. It builds a spherical nest with a side entrance, typically laying three pale green eggs. Pairs are commonly observed foraging quietly in the understory and midstory. Its heavy bill allows it to crack tough seeds as well as take a variety of fruits and arthropods.
Temperament
secretive and deliberate
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, keeping to dense foliage. Pairs maintain territories during breeding and cooperatively guard nest sites. The nest is a spherical structure with a side entrance, placed in thick vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, metallic chips and ticks delivered from cover. The song is a series of short, simple whistles and chinks, often repeated and interspersed with harsh notes.
