Citron-headed Yellow-Finch
Sicalis luteocephala
Striking and beautiful terrestrial finch-like tanager of the high Andes of central and southern Bolivian and extreme NW Argentina. Yellow head and mid chest and belly, contrasting sharply with mostly gray plumage, is distinctive. Prefers open habitats such as desert, gravel, and roadsides, where will form flocks, often mixed with other species of Yellow-Finches. Similar to Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch, but note mostly gray underparts on Citron-headed.
Identification
The citron-headed yellow finch (Sicalis luteocephala) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the Andes of Bolivia and far northern Argentina. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Taxonomy
Genus: Sicalis; Family: Thraupidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Sicalis luteocephala
- Authority
- (d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Sicalis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Gray Thrasher
Toxostoma cinereum
Fairly large and long-tailed songbird found only in Baja California peninsula. Favors deserts with cactus, but also in adjacent scrubby woodland, thickets, and gardens. Feeds mainly on the ground, where runs well. Feeds less often in fruiting trees and bushes. Note the fairly long, slightly arched bill, golden eyes, and boldly spotted breast. Cactus Wren occurs in same areas and looks rather similar but is slightly smaller with white eyebrow, shorter bill, dark eyes, boldly barred tail, and different voice. Also note similar migrant Sage Thrasher, which is smaller, with smaller bill.
Guadalcanal Owl
Athene granti
A rather small owl with lightly spotted brown upperparts and creamy underparts thickly barred with reddish brown. Inhabits forests from lowlands up into the highlands. Unlikely to be confused with any other species in its very limited range. Listen for its monotonous “poot” calls, sometimes given in duet. Formerly lumped with West Solomons Owl, Malaita Owl, and Makira Owl under the name “Solomons Boobook.”
Cape Griffon
Gyps coprotheres
Overall the Cape Griffon is creamy-white, much paler and larger than the White-backed Vulture. At close range, the adult’s eyes are honey-colored, and there is a speckled stripe along the middle of the wing. They nest in small to large colonies in hills and mountains but will fly hundreds of kilometers to forage. The similar White-backed Vulture is smaller and darker with a wing that is more contrasting between flight feathers and the remainder of the underwing; at close range its dark eyes are visible.
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