This species is a member of the Tanager family. This family of birds are restricted to the Western Hemisphere and mainly to the tropics. About 60% of tanagers species live in South America, and almost a third of these species live in the Andes. Most species are endemic to a relatively small area.
According to my sources the Cuban Grassquit can be found in 'subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and heavily degraded former forests'. The last of this list of habitats closely matches my experience as I photographed these birds at the side of a farm track near a road!
The male birds have a black face and breast, while the females are paler around the face, and have chestnut tints in these areas.
When this post publishes I will be very near the end of my trip to India - so hopefully there will be lots of new birds (and other things!) coming along soon!
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. Cheers SM.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteA pretty birdy indeed..... and what's that? India?! Yay! Hope you are enjoying Holi celebrations. YAM xx
We are. Off to Delhi for some celebrations today. S
DeleteLovely little gem of a bird. Also curious to know what all you managed to see during your India trip.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful, Stewart, and it is always such a joy 😊 to see your post.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures as always Stewart..The thorny bush in the first picture doesn't look very friendly..I hope you had a pleasant trip and return home safely,,
ReplyDeleteAnother beauty! I look forward to your most recent finds too!
ReplyDeleteKeep Cuba uppermost in your thoughts. The people there are suffering greatly right now.
ReplyDeleteDear Stewart, what a handsome fellow that Cuban Grassquit is!
ReplyDeleteOh, India! Judging from Shiju's photos (and my own, much shorter, experiences), you'll find plenty of opportunities for amazing birdwatching there!
All the best, Traude
That bird is really beautiful. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThe grassquit is a lovely looking bird.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird! I’m glad you were able to get such clear pictures.
ReplyDeleteA lovely little bird Stewart. I hope you see lots more birds while in India. Thanks for hositng and commenting. Hope you have a lovely week ahead.
ReplyDeleteCiekawy i piękny ptak. Gratuluję obserwacji i ciekawych zdjęć.
ReplyDelete