Image Source: ©[WMarissen] from Getty Images via Canva Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Passeriformes Spindalidae Spindalis Spindalis portoricensis
The Puerto Rican Spindalis (Spindalis portoricensis ) is a striking 17 cm songbird, nicknamed “queen blackbird” locally for the male’s jet-black head and vivid orange-green plumage.
Common Name(s) : Puerto Rican Spindalis, Queen Blackbird, Reina MoraFamily : FringillidaeBody Dimensions : 17 cmMale Plumage Color(s) : Green Upperparts, Orange Neck and Chest, Black Head With White StripesFemale Plumage Color(s) : Olive Green With Less Distinct Head PatternHabitat : Forests and PlantationsDiet : Fruit, InsectsNative Countries : Puerto RicoContinent(s) : North AmericaTaxonomy Classification Year : 1997Taxonomist(s) : Henry Bryant
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Puerto Rican Spindalis Fun Facts
Once considered a subspecies of the Western Spindalis, this endemic taxon merits distinction as Puerto Rico’s unofficial national bird based on its unique vocalizations and morphology[1] . Inhabiting forests island-wide, the frugivorous Puerto Rican Spindalis supplements its diet of fruit like figs and cordia with opportunistic insects. Highly social, these birds A cup-shaped nest woven from grasses and leaves in dense vegetation nurtures light blue eggs etched in brown . While comfortable in human-altered habitats, this adaptable species struggles with Habitat Loss Classified[2] as Least Concern but experiencing an ongoing population decline, the beleaguered Puerto Rican Spindalis epitomizes the delicate balance endemic species navigate. Even generalist birds relying more on cultivated fruits face precarious futures if climate change and urbanization erase the remaining sanctuary. Ensuring adequate protected rainforest
But the island must honor its unofficial national bird by tackling habitat loss head-on before the queen blackbird’s kingdom disappears.
Cite This Page
[1] – “Comparacion de la riqueza de aves entre plantaciones de pino hondureno (Pinus caribaea) y areas de bosque nativo en el Bosque Estatal de Carite, Cayey, Puerto Rico” . Accessed December 27,2023. Link .[2] – “IUCN Red List of Threatened Species” . Accessed December 27,2023. Link .
