Black-faced Grassquit

The Black-faced Grassquit, Melanospiza bicolor, is a diminutive bird, a member of the tanager family, Thraupidae. It is closely related to the famed Darwin's finches. The male is characterized by a striking black face and breast, with an olive green back, while the female and immature birds exhibit a more subdued olive-grey coloration on their upperparts and head, with paler grey underparts that transition to a whiter belly.

Identification Tips

Adult males measure approximately 10 cm in length and weigh around 10 g. They possess a short, conical black bill. The males found on the South American mainland are noted for having more extensive black underparts that blend into a grey belly. During display flights, males can be identified by their short-distance flights with vibrating wings, accompanied by a distinctive buzzing "dik-zeezeezee" call.

Habitat

This species thrives in long grass or scrub within open or semi-open landscapes, often seen along roadsides and in rice fields.

Distribution

The Black-faced Grassquit breeds across the West Indies, excluding Cuba, and is present on Tobago but not Trinidad. Its range extends to the northern coasts of Colombia and Venezuela.

Behaviour

The Black-faced Grassquit is commonly found in small groups. It is known for its domed grass nests, which are lined with finer grasses and situated low in bushes or on banks.

Song & Calls

The male's display flight is accompanied by a buzzing "dik-zeezeezee" call, a sound that is quite distinctive and can be used for identification.

Breeding

The typical clutch consists of two or three whitish eggs, which are blotched with reddish-brown. These eggs are laid in the species' carefully constructed domed grass nests.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily seed eaters, Black-faced Grassquits favor the seeds of grasses and weeds, and will occasionally consume fruits and berries. During the breeding season, they also feed on small insects.

Conservation Status

The Black-faced Grassquit is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.