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Black-throated grosbeak facts for kids

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Black-throated grosbeak
Saltator fuliginosus -Pomerode Zoo, Santa Catarina, Brazil -adult male-8a.jpg
Adult male at Pomerode Zoo in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Saltator
Species:
fuliginosus
Saltator fuliginosus map.svg
Synonyms

Loxia fuliginosa (protonym)

The black-throated grosbeak (scientific name: Saltator fuliginosus) is a fascinating seed-eating bird. It belongs to the tanager family, a group of birds often known for their vibrant colors, found mostly in the Americas. This particular bird is known for its strong, thick beak, which is perfectly designed for cracking open tough seeds.

Discover the Black-throated Grosbeak

This special bird, the black-throated grosbeak, is a true resident of the beautiful and important Atlantic Forest. It's a bird that loves humid environments, making its home in parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

What Does the Black-throated Grosbeak Look Like?

Imagine a bird that is mostly a very dark grey color. That's the black-throated grosbeak! The male birds are quite striking, with a black face, throat, and chest that stands out against their dark grey bodies. Both male and female adult birds have a bright red bill, which is their strong, cone-shaped beak. However, young black-throated grosbeaks have a yellowish-dusky bill, which changes to red as they grow older. This bird looks a lot like another bird called the slate-colored grosbeak, but you can tell them apart easily: the slate-colored grosbeak has a white throat, while our black-throated friend has a black one.

Where Does This Bird Live?

The black-throated grosbeak calls the Atlantic Forest its home. This incredible forest stretches across eastern South America, mainly in Brazil, but also reaching into Argentina and Paraguay. It's a very special place, full of different plants and animals, and it's known for its humid, or moist, climate. These birds prefer the dense, green areas of this forest, where they can find plenty of food and safe places to live. You can find them in the far northeastern part of Argentina (specifically in Misiones), the eastern and southeastern regions of Brazil, and the eastern side of Paraguay.

What Does the Black-throated Grosbeak Eat?

As its name suggests, the black-throated grosbeak is a seed-eating bird. Its strong, thick bill is perfectly designed for cracking open various seeds it finds in its forest home. This diet provides it with all the energy it needs to fly, sing, and raise its young.

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