The Black-faced Grassquit (Tiaris bicolor) is a small bird that belongs to the finch family, Emberizidae. It is a resident species found in the Caribbean, from southern Mexico to northern South America. It measures around 4.3 inches (11 centimeters) in length and weighs approximately 0.4 ounces (12 grams).
The Black-faced Grassquit has a distinctive black face and throat, a white belly, and olive-green upperparts. The female has a similar appearance to the male, but with a duller coloring. Juveniles are also similar in appearance to adult females. The black face and throat of the male are its most distinguishing field marks.
This species is a resident bird and does not undertake long-distance migrations. However, they may make short seasonal movements to find food or water during the dry season. The Black-faced Grassquit can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and scrublands. They are also found in gardens and parks.
The Black-faced Grassquit is a granivorous bird, which means that it mainly feeds on seeds. They may also consume some insects, particularly during the breeding season when they need protein to feed their young. They are often seen foraging on the ground for seeds and insects or perching on grass stems.
In terms of breeding behavior, the Black-faced Grassquit is a socially monogamous species, with pairs forming long-term bonds. They build cup-shaped nests using grass and other plant material, and they lay between two and four eggs. The male helps with nest building and incubation, and both parents share the responsibility of feeding the young.