Western Spindalis
NameWestern Spindalis
Common NameWestern Spindalis
Scientific NameSpindalis zena
FamilySpindalidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsMales feature a distinctive black head with a broad white supercilium and a white malar stripe. The throat and breast are bright yellow, contrasting with an olive-green back and dark wings adorned with two prominent white wing bars. The belly is whitish. Females are duller, with a grayish head and olive-yellow underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of high-pitched, often buzzy or sibilant notes, sometimes forming a rapid 'chip-chip-chip' call or a more complex, warbling song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangePrimarily found in the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. It is a rare vagrant or extirpated breeder in southern Florida, USA.
Identifying FeaturesBright yellow throat and breast (males), Black head with prominent white supercilium and malar stripe (males), Olive-green back, Two white wing bars
Description
The Western Spindalis is a vibrant, medium-sized songbird native to the Caribbean. Males are particularly striking with their bold black, white, and yellow plumage, while females are duller. They are typically found foraging for fruits and insects in the canopy of trees and shrubs.
