Caryothraustes poliogaster
The Black-faced Grosbeak (Caryothraustes poliogaster) is a striking neotropical songbird belonging to the Cardinalidae family, known for its robust build and vibrant plumage. Adults measure 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 in) in length and weigh 35-47 grams, featuring an unmistakable glossy black mask encompassing the lores, chin, and throat, sharply contrasting with a bright olive-green head, nape, and upper back. This coloration transitions to yellowish-green on the mantle and rump, and a vivid yellow ac...
Resides in humid tropical and subtropical evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, favoring the canopy and subcanopy, from sea level up to 1200-1500 meters.
Primarily omnivorous, feeding on a mix of insects (especially caterpillars and beetles) and spiders, supplemented heavily by various fruits and seeds, which are crushed with its powerful bill. Forages by arboreal gleaning.
This diurnal species is an active, arboreal forager, spending much of its time high in the forest canopy. Black-faced Grosbeaks often join large, mixed-species foraging flocks with tanagers, euphonias, and woodcreepers, particularly outside the breeding season, but may also be seen in pairs or sm...
The Black-faced Grosbeak is exclusively a resident species found throughout Central America. Its distribution spans from southern Mexico, specifically in southeastern Veracruz, northern Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco, extending southwards. It occurs along the Caribbean slopes of Guatemala, Belize, ...
Least Concern
- The Black-faced Grosbeak's common name is exceptionally descriptive, with its solid black mask creating a striking contrast with its otherwise vibrant green and yellow plumage. - Despite its vivid colors, its preference for the dense forest canopy makes it a challenging bird to spot, often only...