Antillean siskin

The Antillean siskin is a charming small finch that belongs to the Fringillidae family and is classified under the Spinus genus. This bird can be observed fluttering around the Caribbean, particularly on the island of Hispaniola. It tends to make its home in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, though it can also be found in areas where the forest has been significantly degraded.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Antillean siskin is its evolutionary history. It is considered to be the oldest surviving species within the North American Spinus/Carduelis group. Scientists hypothesize that its ancestor is the Eurasian siskin (Spinus spinus), making it a living link to evolutionary history in the avian world.