Grand Cayman bullfinch explained

The Grand Cayman bullfinch (Melopyrrha taylori) is a threatened bird endemic to the island of Grand Cayman. It is the only bird species endemic to the Cayman Islands since the extinction of the Grand Cayman thrush (Turdus ravidus), though several bird subspecies are also endemic.

Taxonomy

It was once considered a subspecies of the Cuban bullfinch (M. nigra) as M. nigra taylori. It can be distinguished from the Cuban bullfinch by its slightly larger bill size and the much paler coloration of the female bird.^[1]

Habitat

This species breeds primarily in the Central Mangrove Wetland.^[2]

Conservation

Its population is declining due to invasive mammals. Habitat fragmentation may also be a potential major risk, though currently this is very low.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Cuban Bullfinch - Introduction Neotropical Birds Online. neotropical.birds.cornell.edu. en. 2018-01-22.
2. Web site: Saving the largest continuous wetland in the Caribbean from destruction - Conservation Action - Our work - The RSPB Community . 2023-09-15 . community.rspb.org.uk . en.