Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata)
Zapata Sparrow, Santo Tomás, Zapata Swamp, Cuba, February 2005 - click on image for a larger view Cuba
February 2005

The Zapata Sparrow is endemic to Cuba and classified as Endangered since there are less than 1,000 individuals left. There are 3 sub-species found in different parts of the island only one of which, T. i. inexpectata, is found in the Zapata Swamp. This has led to suggestions that the English name be changed to Cuban Sparrow.

Zapata Sparrow, Santo Tomás, Zapata Swamp, Cuba, February 2005 - click on image for a larger view All 3 sub-species are similar but are found in very different habitats with the nominate found in the flooded saw-grass of the Zapata Swamp, T. i. sigmani found in the thorn scrub and cacti of Guantánamo province and T. i. varonai found in the dry forest and coastal vegetation of Cayo Coco. Their food reflects the different habitats with Zapata birds feeding on the eggs of Pomacea snails as well as lizards and seeds and Guantánamo birds also feeding off cactus fruits.
Zapata Sparrow, Santo Tomás, Zapata Swamp, Cuba, February 2005 - click on image for a larger view The photos here are of the nominate race from the Zapata Swamp and show the white throat with black moustachial streaks, the yellow breast and belly and the greyish-olive flanks. You can just make out the chestnut on the crown.

There is an excellent page on this species by Birdlife International here.

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