Western Spindalis

The Western Spindalis, Spindalis zena, is a vibrant songbird, the male adorned with a striking black and white striped head, a rich burnt orange throat, breast, and nape, and a light grey belly. Females, though less vivid, share the head pattern in a muted grey, with an olive-grey back and greyish-brown underparts, accented with a subtle orange on the breast, rump, and shoulders. This species measures about 15 cm in length and weighs approximately 21 g.

Identification Tips

To identify the Western Spindalis, look for the male's distinctive head stripes and contrasting orange and grey plumage. Females can be recognized by their grey head stripes and less colorful, yet still distinctive, orange wash. Two color variations exist: green-backed, typically found in the northern range, and black-backed, also generally northern.

Habitat

The Western Spindalis favors subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and areas of heavily degraded former forest. The subspecies zena is particularly associated with pine forests.

Distribution

This species is native to southeastern Florida and the western Caribbean, including Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a rare visitor to extreme southern Florida, where breeding has been recorded.

Subspecies

Several subspecies of the Western Spindalis are recognized, each with a distinct geographical distribution:

• Spindalis zena zena: Central Bahamas
• Spindalis zena townsendi: Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos, and Green Turtle Cay
• Spindalis zena pretrei: Cuba, Isle of Pines, and adjacent offshore cays
• Spindalis zena salvini: Grand Cayman Island
• Spindalis zena benedicti: Cozumel Island

Similar Species

While the Western Spindalis is quite distinctive, it may be confused with other tanager species. However, its unique head striping and coloration set it apart from its relatives.

Conservation Status

The IUCN currently lists the Western Spindalis as Least Concern, indicating that it is not considered a threatened species.