Spindalis nigricephala
The Jamaican Spindalis (Spindalis nigricephala) is a vibrant, medium-sized passerine endemic to the island of Jamaica, measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length. Males are strikingly adorned with a black head, sharp white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-yellow nape, and underparts that fade to yellow on the belly. Their back is olive-green, complemented by black wings with prominent white bars and edgings, making them an unmistakable sight in the island's fores...
Found in a variety of wooded habitats, including wet limestone forests, dense secondary growth, coffee plantations, and even larger gardens. It occupies elevations from sea level up to the highest peaks of the Blue Mountains.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for mistletoe berries and other small fruits. They also supplement their diet with nectar and small insects, which are gleaned from vegetation.
Jamaican Spindalis are diurnal birds, often observed singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and may join mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly outside the breeding season. Their primary foraging strategy involves gleaning fruits, insects, and occasionally nectar from foliage and branches...
The Jamaican Spindalis is entirely endemic to the island of Jamaica, where it is a year-round resident across most suitable habitats. Its distribution spans from the coastal lowlands, where it can be found in a variety of wooded environments, to the highest elevations within the iconic Blue Mount...
Least Concern
- The Jamaican Spindalis is one of only four species in the endemic Caribbean family Spindalidae, making it a unique evolutionary lineage. - Its family was only recently elevated from a subfamily within the tanager family (Thraupidae), highlighting its distinct evolutionary path. - Males are ofte...