The Barbados Bullfinch (Loxigilla barbadensis) is a seedeater bird that is found only on the Caribbean island-nation of Barbados, where it is the only endemic bird species.
Description
The Barbados Bullfinch is a small bird, 14-15 cm (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.
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.
Reproduction
Barbados Bullfinches construct a globular nest, with a side entrance, in a tree or shrub. The species lays two to three spotted eggs.
Further Finch Reading
- Finch Information
- Index of Finch Species
- Photos of the Different Finch Species for Identification
- Common Health Problems of Finches
- Finch / Canary Diet / Nutrition
Taxonomy
The Barbados Bullfinch was previously considered a subspecies of the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch (Loxigilla noctis), which is found on neighboring islands. Despite the misleading nature of its name, the Barbados Bullfinch is not a Bullfinch at all but a seedeater.
