Greater Antillean Bullfinch

Melopyrrha violacea

A secretive, but not shy, inhabitant of dense thickets in a wide variety of habitats from wet forests to dry scrublands and gardens. Dark gray to black body combined with an orange-red eyebrow, throat, and vent are unique within its range. It is often heard before seen. Song is an unimpressive series of high-pitched “zit” or “seet” notes, sometimes followed by high thin buzz. Call similar to individual notes from song.

Identification

The Greater Antillean bullfinch (Melopyrrha violacea) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae, the tanagers and allies. It is found in the Bahamas, Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and their offshore islands), Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Taxonomy

Genus: Melopyrrha; Family: Thraupidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Melopyrrha violacea
Authority
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae
Genus
Melopyrrha

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: stable.

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

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