Barbados Bullfinch

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Barbados Bullfinch
A Barbados Bullfinch
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae Genus: Loxigilla Species: L. barbadensis
Binomial name
Loxigilla barbadensis Cory, 1886

The Barbados Bullfinch (Loxigilla barbadensis) is a Barbadian Seedeater. The Barbados Bullfinch was elevated to species level; formerly it was considered a subspecies of the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch (Loxigilla noctis)^[1], found on neighboring islands. The Barbados Bullfinch is the island's only endemic bird species.

Contents 1 Taxonomy 2 Description 3 Distribution and habitat 4 Reproduction 5 Gallery 6 References

[edit] Taxonomy

Once thought to be a subspecies of the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, the Barbados Bullfinch was elevated to species level. Despite the misleading nature of its name, the Barbados Bullfinch is not a Bullfinch at all but a Seedeater.

[edit] Description

The Barbados Bullfinch is a small bird, 5.5–6 in. The upperparts are a dark olive-grey, the wings are mostly brown, underparts are greyish, while the under tail-coverts are tawny. The species is not sexually dimorphic, with females and males having similar plumage. The birds' calls include simple twittering, an occasional harsh petulant note, and a sharp trill.

[edit] Distribution and habitat

The Barbados Bullfinch is found only on the island of Barbados. The birds' habitat includes shrubbery and forest undergrowth; the species has adapted well to Humans, often being found in close proximity to areas of human habitation, such as gardens.

[edit] Reproduction

Barbados Bullfinches construct a globular nest, with a side entrance, in a tree or shrub. The species lays two to three spotted eggs.

[edit] Gallery

[edit] References