The Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Loxigilla portoricensis) is a small Bullfinch tanager endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico and one of 3 species belonging to the genus Loxigilla. These were formerly considered Emberizidae.
The Puerto Rican Bullfinch has black feathers with red areas above the eyes, around its throat, and underneath the tail's base. The species measures from 17 to 19 cm and weighs approximately 32 grams.
The species can be commonly found in heavy forests throughout Puerto Rico, except on the easternmost tip of the island. It consumes seeds, fruits, insects, and spiders. The nest is spherical, with an entrance on the side. Typically three light green eggs are laid.
A subspecies, Loxigilla portoricensis grandis, endemic to St. Kitts and Barbuda was last collected in 1929 and is presently considered extinct.
See also
- List of endemic fauna of Puerto Rico
- List of Puerto Rican birds
Notes
- ^ "Loxigilla portoricensis". IUCN List of threatened species. IUCN (2004). Retrieved on August 21, 2006.
- ^ Raffaele, H.. "Comments on the extinction of Loxigilla portoricensis grandis in St. Kitts, Lesser Antilles". Condor 79 (3): 389-390. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
- ^ D. W. Steadman, et al. (1997). "The Birds of St. Kitts, Lesser Antilles". Caribbean Journal of Science 33 (1-2): 15-16. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
