Black-faced grosbeak

The black-faced grosbeak (Caryothraustes poliogaster) is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals, grosbeaks, and “tanager” allies. it is found from Mexico to Panama.

The black-faced grosbeak is about 14 to 22 cm (5.5 to 8.7 in) long; five individuals weighed an average of 35 g (1.2 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies are black on their lores, face, and throat. Their forecrown is yellow and the rest of their head is yellow with an olive tinge. Their upper back, wings, and tail are yellowish olive-green. Their scapulars, lower back, rump, and uppertail coverts are slate gray. Their breast is yellow with an olive tinge on all but the edge of the throat. Their flanks are pale gray that becomes grayish white on the belly. Their undertail coverts are pale brownish gray with wide buffy whitish edges. Subspecies C. p. scapularis is smaller than the nominate. Their scapulars and lower back are the same yellowish olive-green as their upper back where the nominate is slate gray. Both sexes of both subspecies have a brown or reddish brown iris, a thick hooked bill with a black maxilla and a gray or blue-gray mandible, and bluish gray legs and feet. Juveniles are duller overall than adults and have a less distinct facial pattern.