Facts About Zapata sparrow
The Zapata Sparrow is a captivating medium-sized bird that inhabits the grasslands of Cuba's Zapata Swamp. Adorned with a distinctive blend of grey and yellow feathers, it is particularly notable for its dark reddish-brown crown and olive-grey upperparts. This bird was first discovered in 1927 by Spanish zoologist Fermín Zanón Cervera. Subsequently, American herpetologist Thomas Barbour and ornithologist James Lee Peters provided its formal scientific description.
Endemic to Cuba, the Zapata Sparrow also has populations in Cayo Coco and Guantánamo Province. These birds are classified into various subspecies based on differences in plumage and habitat preferences. Each subspecies occupies a distinct ecological niche within Cuba. One subspecies, *varonai*, remains a topic of debate among experts and requires further research to confirm its taxonomic status.
The Zapata Sparrow is renowned for its distinctive song, characterized by a metallic, high-pitched trill. Its diet is remarkably diverse, encompassing seeds, flowers, insects, spiders, snails, and even small lizards. The breeding season for this bird typically runs from March to June.
However, the Zapata Sparrow faces numerous threats. Wildfires, wetland drainage, and habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and tourism development pose significant risks to its survival.