Loxigilla

A small but fascinating group of birds found mostly in the Caribbean islands, and it belongs to the tanager family (Thraupidae), even though its members are often mistaken for finches due to their sturdy, seed-cracking beaks. Birds in this genus are small, chunky, and built for survival in a variety of island environments. What makes Loxigilla birds special is their endemic nature—many of them are found only on one specific island or a small group of islands, making them unique to those places and deeply tied to their local ecosystems.

Members of Loxigilla share some common traits: they tend to have strong, conical bills, ideal for cracking seeds, but they’re not picky eaters. Most are omnivorous, with diets that include fruits, seeds, insects, and even nectar when available. This flexible diet helps them survive in places where food might be seasonal or unpredictable. Their plumage is often dark or earth-toned—typically shades of black, brown, or gray—sometimes accented with brighter patches like reddish bellies or wing highlights, depending on the species.

One standout member is the Barbados bullfinch (Loxigilla barbadensis), which is completely endemic to Barbados. It’s perhaps the most urbanized and human-tolerant of the group, even venturing into homes. Others, like the Greater Antillean bullfinch (Loxigilla violacea), are found on islands such as Jamaica and the Bahamas and tend to be more secretive, preferring to stay near forest edges and dense vegetation.

In several islands, people report these birds learning how to exploit human structures for food or shelter. Also, despite their name and appearance, Loxigilla birds are not true bullfinches (which are found in Europe and Asia), but they’ve earned the nickname because of their similar looks and behaviors.