The Puerto Rican spindalis is a bird endemic to the island of Puerto Rico, where it is commonly known as reina mora or cigua puertorriqueña. The species is widely distributed throughout the island and is an important part of the Puerto Rican ecosystem because of its help in seed dispersal and plant reproduction.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Endemic to Puerto Rico, occurring from coastal lowlands to montane forests. It frequents mature and secondary forests, forest edges, and disturbed habitats with fruiting trees. The species is common in karst forests of the north, dry forests of the southwest, and wet forests of the east. It adapts well to agroforestry landscapes such as shade coffee and also visits suburban gardens with fruiting plants.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known locally as reina mora, this species is a key seed disperser in Puerto Rican forests, helping regenerate native trees and shrubs. It readily visits fruiting trees in gardens and shade coffee, bringing it close to people. Males are strikingly patterned, while females are more subdued and cryptic.
Bird count of the Puerto Rican spindalis (2004)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build a neat cup nest in shrubs or tree forks. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sweet whistles and short trills delivered from mid- to upper canopy. Calls include sharp seee and buzzy chips, often given while moving through fruiting trees.
Plumage
Male has a boldly striped head with crisp white supercilium and malar stripes on a black head, bright orange throat and breast blending to yellowish underparts, and olive-green back with some wing edging. Female is olive-brown above with faint head striping and dull yellowish underparts, lacking the male’s vivid orange.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits and berries, including figs, palm fruits, guava, and other native and cultivated species. It also takes flower buds and occasional nectar. Insects and other small arthropods are eaten opportunistically, especially during the breeding season for added protein.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the canopy and forest edge, moving methodically through fruiting trees. Common in shade coffee plantations and gardens where fruiting shrubs and trees are available.
