SALTATORS & GROSBEAKS - In Belize

Black Headed Saltator

Buff Throated Saltator

Black Headed Saltator

Black Headed Saltator - Fairly common in humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge, plantations, adjacent semi-open areas with trees and hedges. Usually in noisy small groups moving at mid-upper levels. Black head and bib surrounds white throat patch (throat patch buffy in Los Tuxtlas region of southern Veracruz), upperparts bright golden green. Larger and noisier than the rather similar Buff-throated Saltator, which has a less contrasting black head.
BELIZE HABITAT - Midlevels to canopy; broadleaf forest edge; second growth scrub.  Frequents fruiting trees.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Common resident on mainland and Ambergris Caye.

Buff Throated Saltator

Buff Throated Saltator - Fairly common in humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edges, plantations, and dense second growth. Usually seen singly or in pairs, foraging quietly in flowering or fruiting trees. Buff throat patch is bordered by black moustache stripes. Birds from western Panama north also show black chest band around buff throat. Note less contrast between head and back than larger Black-headed Saltator, and longer white eyebrow of Green-winged Saltator.
BELIZE HABITAT - Midlevels to sub-canopy; broadleaf forest edge.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Fairly common to common resident on mainland north to north Cayo, and central Belize, once in east Orange Walk.

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Grayish Saltator

Grayish Saltator

Grayish Saltator - Fairly common, but often retiring, in tropical lowlands of both drier and more humid areas. Favors forest edge, second growth thickets, hedges, and tangles, especially with morning glory flowers, which it munches quietly. Told from other saltators in Mexico and Central America by the grayish (not golden-green) upperparts, bolder white eyebrow, and plain breast. Immature looks slightly different, with a yellowish wash to the face and upperparts.
BELIZE HABITAT - Midlevel strata; open habitat with scattered brush or trees; edges of towns and villages.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Fairly common to common resident on mainland; occasionally seen on Ambergris Caye but absent from other cayes.

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Black Faced Grosbeak

Black Faced Grosbeak

Black Faced Grosbeak - Males are black-and-orange like an oriole, but stockier with short, thick bill. Larger than a sparrow. Females and immature males have orangey wash across breast with fine dark streaking on sides. Bill is bicolored, darker above and paler below. Found in woodlands including mountain forests, thickets along desert streams, and backyards. Regularly visits feeders. Winters in Central America.
BELIZE HABITAT - Midlevels to canopy; broadleaf and pine forest interior; forest edge; occasionally weedy scrub.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Common resident on mainland, mostly away from coast, north, locally, and perhaps discontinuously, to north east Orange Walk and perhaps south Corozal.

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal - Males are entirely red with black around the base of the bill. Females are brown overall with red tail, red on wings, and red bill. Note distinctive crest in both sexes. Forages mainly for seeds in dense shrubby areas. Regularly visits feeders.
BELIZE HABITAT - Midlevels to canopy; broadleaf forest edge; open space with scattered trees.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Common transient and uncommon to locally fairly common winter visitor, mid-September to early May.

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Rose Breasted Grosbeak

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

Rose Breasted Grosbeak - Breeding adult males are black and white with bright red triangle on breast. Females and nonbreeding males are brown above with two white wingbars. Underparts are whitish with fine dark streaks. Contrasty head pattern; dark crown and cheek contrast with pale eyebrow and throat. Thick, pale pinkish bill sets them apart from similar species. Visits feeders in spring and summer. Winters in Central and South America.
BELIZE HABITAT - Midlevels to canopy; broadleaf forest edge; open space with scattered trees.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Common transient and uncommon to locally fairly common winter visitor, mid-September to early May.