Black-faced Grosbeak

The Black-faced Grosbeak, Caryothraustes poliogaster, presents a striking figure with its robust, predominantly black bill. This bird is easily recognized by its contrasting black face, vibrant yellow head, neck, and breast, complemented by an olive back, wings, and tail. The rump and belly are a subtle grey, while immatures exhibit a more subdued palette and less distinct facial markings.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Black-faced Grosbeak, look for the characteristic heavy bill and the distinct coloration of the face and underparts. The adult's black face and yellow front are unmistakable, while the immature birds may require a closer look due to their duskier facial features.

Habitat

This species thrives in the dense wet forests of Central America, favoring the canopy and middle levels. It is also found in tall secondary growth and semi-open areas such as woodland edges and clearings, from sea level up to 1000 meters in altitude.

Distribution

The Black-faced Grosbeak is a resident breeding bird that ranges from southeastern Mexico to eastern Panama, a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Central American lowlands and foothills.

Behaviour

In its natural habitat, the Black-faced Grosbeak is known to form noisy flocks, sometimes comprising up to 20 individuals. It often joins mixed-species feeding flocks, mingling with honeycreepers, other tanagers, and New World warblers. While it generally avoids human-altered environments, it can occasionally be found in degraded subtropical or tropical forests.

Song & calls

The vocal repertoire of this species includes sharp "chip" or "tweet" calls, buzzes, and whistles. Its song is a melodious whistled sequence of "cher chi weet, cher chir weet, cher chi chuweet," adding a musical ambiance to its habitat.

Breeding

Breeding takes place in the lush Central American environment, where the female constructs a nest from bromeliad leaves and other epiphytes, 3 to 6 meters above ground in a small tree or palm. The breeding season sees the laying of three brown-spotted grey-white eggs, typically between April and June.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Black-faced Grosbeak is varied, including beetles, caterpillars, and other insects, as well as fruits like those of the gumbo-limbo tree. It also consumes seeds and nectar, which it may take directly from flowers or from the bracts of epiphytes.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Black-faced Grosbeak as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation action.