Biology:Grand Cayman bullfinch

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Short description: Subspecies of bird

Grand Cayman bullfinch
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genus: Melopyrrha
Species:
M. taylori
Binomial name
Melopyrrha taylori
Hartert, EJO, 1896
Pyrrhulagra taylori map.svg
Synonyms
  • Loxia taylori
  • Loxigilla taylori
  • Pyrrhulagra taylori
  • Melopyrrha nigra taylori

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.[2]

Habitat

This species breeds primarily in the Central Mangrove Wetland.[3]

Conservation

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

References

Wikidata ☰ Q27638396 entry