Zapata Sparrow

Overview

The Zapata sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata) is a medium-sized grey and yellow bird endemic to the island of Cuba. Listed as Near Threatened, it inhabits diverse environments across the island, although its alternative name, the Cuban sparrow, is sometimes used to reflect its broader distribution.

Identification

• Approximately 16.5 cm in length.
• Overall plumage is grey and yellow, featuring a dark reddish-brown crown and olive-grey upperparts.
• Song consists of a metallic high-pitched trill sounding like 'tziii-tzziii-tzziii' interspersed with quiet 'tic-tic-tic' notes.

Habitat

This species lives in the grasslands of the Zapata Swamp and other regions on the island of Cuba. The nominate race is found in extensive sawgrass savannahs, the Cayo Coco race inhabits forests and shrubbery, and the eastern race frequents arid areas of thorn-scrub and cacti.

Diet

During dry seasons, the bird feeds primarily on seeds and flowers, alongside insects, spiders, snails, and their eggs. In the wet season, it is known to consume small lizards.

Did you know?

Discovered in March 1927 by the Spanish zoologist Fermín Zanón Cervera, the species was later formally described by the American herpetologist Thomas Barbour and ornithologist James Lee Peters.