Thraupidae bird family

Order Passeriformes · 6 selected species

Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.

BananaquitCoereba flaveolaTiny, active, warbler-like bird of tropical and subtropical forest edge, woodland, and gardens. Feeds on nectar and fruit, and in some areas visits bird feeders. Variable plumage across range, especially in the Caribbean, but always note small size and sharp, slightly decurved bill. Most populations have a bold white eyebrow and yellow underparts. Throat color varies from pale gray on mainland (Mexico to South America) to white on some island populations (including Cozumel) or sooty gray (Greater Antilles). Some birds in the Lesser Antilles are entirely black. Song is variable across range but usually high-pitched and scratchy.

Gold-ringed TanagerBangsia aureocinctaBeautiful tanager restricted to Colombia’s western Andes. It is one of the country’s most sought-after endemic birds due to its unique plumage and scarcity. Yellow head crescent, mustache, and breast patch stand out conspicuously against its otherwise black, olive, and blue color pattern. Females and young birds are duller than adult males. Inhabits wet cloud forest, and sometimes joins mixed species flocks. Often perches on an exposed branch, repeatedly giving a burst of sharp notes that rises and then falls.

Olive-gray SaltatorSaltator olivascensFairly common, but often retiring, in tropical lowlands of both drier and more humid areas in northern South America. Occurs from sea level to around 1,500 m elevation. Favors forest edge, second growth thickets, hedges, and tangles, especially with morning glory flowers, which it munches quietly. Note plain grayish coloration with browner vent and short white eyebrow. Despite the common name, adults have at best only a slight olivaceous tinge. Immature looks slightly different, with a yellowish wash to the face and upperparts. Listen for sweet song of short whistled phrases.

Small Ground-FinchGeospiza fuliginosaA small, widespread Galápagos finch. Bill is longer than it is deep, appears somewhat pointed, and has only a slight curve to the upper edge. Lower edge of bill is mostly straight. Bill size varies among individuals, and not all birds can be accurately identified. Bill is black on breeding male and dull orange on female and nonbreeding male. Male’s plumage is sooty-black; female is brown with paler underparts that are streaked with gray. Medium Ground-Finch has thicker, less pointed bill. Sharp-beaked Ground-Finch has bill that is slightly more pointed and is less rounded on the upper edge. Found in a wide variety of habitats on most islands, but absent from Genovesa, Darwin, and Wolf.

Vegetarian FinchPlatyspiza crassirostrisA large and rather parrot-billed Galápagos finch. Bill is about as long as it is deep, with a very round upper edge and slightly curved lower edge. Male has a black hood and bill, a sooty back, and a yellowish belly with dark streaks. Female is tan with a pale bill, a whitish or yellowish belly, and brown streaks on the underparts. Very similar to Large Tree-Finch, which is smaller and smaller-billed. Most likely to be encountered in forest at middle elevations on the larger islands. Not present on the islands of Española, Genovesa, and Santa Fé.

Vegetarian FinchPlatyspiza crassirostrisA large and rather parrot-billed Galápagos finch. Bill is about as long as it is deep, with a very round upper edge and slightly curved lower edge. Male has a black hood and bill, a sooty back, and a yellowish belly with dark streaks. Female is tan with a pale bill, a whitish or yellowish belly, and brown streaks on the underparts. Very similar to Large Tree-Finch, which is smaller and smaller-billed. Most likely to be encountered in forest at middle elevations on the larger islands. Not present on the islands of Española, Genovesa, and Santa Fé.