The western spindalis is a songbird species. It was formerly considered conspecific with the other three species of Spindalis, with the common name stripe-headed tanager.
Region
Northern and Western Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Cozumel (Mexico), inhabiting wooded habitats from coastal scrub to pine woodlands and broadleaf forests. It frequents forest edges, thickets, gardens, and second-growth where fruiting trees and shrubs are abundant. In Cuba it also uses foothill forests and plantations. It is a rare vagrant to the Florida Keys.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Western Spindalis is a striking Caribbean songbird formerly grouped with three other Spindalis as the 'stripe-headed tanager.' It is now placed in its own small family, Spindalidae, and is resident across parts of the northern and western Caribbean. Males show bold head striping and bright chest colors, while females are noticeably duller. It occasionally wanders to South Florida as a rare vagrant.
Male Spindalis zena pretreishowing feathers on back, Cuba
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Pairs are territorial in the breeding season and build a cup nest in shrubs or trees. Both parents typically attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, sweet whistles and high trills delivered from canopy perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft tseet notes, often given while foraging.
Plumage
Crisp, contrasting head stripes with a clean, neat feather texture; males show bright chest and flanks with an olive back and pale wingbars, females are more uniformly olive-gray with subdued striping.
Diet
Feeds on small fruits and berries, including figs and other native fruits. Supplements with insects such as caterpillars and beetles, especially during breeding season. Will take nectar from flowers and occasionally seeds.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of fruiting trees, at forest edges, and in gardens. Often visits flowering and fruiting shrubs in scrub and second-growth.
