Yellow-faced grassquit

The yellow-faced grassquit is a passerine bird in the tanager family Thraupidae and is the only member of the genus Tiaris. It is native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Distribution

Region

Caribbean Basin and Central America

Typical Environment

Found widely from Mexico and Central America through much of the Caribbean and into northern South America. Prefers open grassy areas, weedy fields, scrubby edges, savannas, and agricultural lands including pastures and cane fields. Often occurs along roadsides and in gardens where seeding grasses are abundant. Uses low shrubs and tall grasses for cover and nesting, and regularly ventures onto bare ground to forage.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span16–18 cm

Male Weight0.011 kg

Female Weight0.01 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

A small seed-eating tanager, the yellow-faced grassquit is currently the sole member of the genus Tiaris. Males perform a fluttery, butterfly-like display flight while delivering a buzzy trill from exposed perches. It thrives in weedy fields, roadsides, and other human-altered habitats. Nests are domed structures of grass placed low in shrubs or tall grass.

Gallery

Immature male, Panama

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering flights

Social Behavior

Often forages in small loose groups outside the breeding season and forms monogamous pairs when nesting. The nest is a domed ball of grasses placed low in vegetation, with a side entrance. Clutches are typically 2–3 eggs, and both parents participate in feeding the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Male song is a buzzy, insect-like trill interspersed with thin high notes, delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tseep notes and soft trills given during foraging and social interactions.

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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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