Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra nigra)

This shy bird is not actually a finch. Genetic studies have shown it is actually a Tanager (Thraupidae) in a group which includes the Galapagos Finches. It is the sole member in the genus Melopyrrha which means "black bullfinch." Two subspecies are recognized with nominate M. n. nigra on Cuba and M. n. taylori on Grand Cayman. The latter has a larger bill and duller plumage. Although listed as being of "least concern" by Birdlife International, the "Red Book of Cuban Vertebrates" classifies it as "near threatened" noting declines caused by illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. Its current distribution in Cuba is spotty.