Yellow-faced Grassquit
NameYellow-faced Grassquit
Common NameYellow-faced Grassquit
Scientific NameTiaris olivaceus
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsMales have a black face and throat, sharply outlined by a bright yellow supercilium (stripe above the eye) and malar stripe. The crown, nape, and upperparts are olive-green, while the underparts are olive-gray, becoming paler on the belly. Females and immatures are duller, mostly olive-green above and grayish-olive below, with less distinct yellow on the face.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a high-pitched, buzzy series of notes, often described as 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'swee-swee-swee', repeated. It also gives sharp 'chip' calls.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeResident throughout the Caribbean (Greater Antilles and some Lesser Antilles), Central America (from Mexico south to Panama), and northern South America (Colombia and Venezuela).
Identifying Featuressmall size, conical bill, bright yellow supercilium, black face and throat (males), olive-green upperparts
Description
A small, finch-like bird, the male Yellow-faced Grassquit is easily identified by its distinctive black face and throat bordered by bright yellow markings. It is commonly found foraging for seeds in grassy areas and open woodlands.
