Greater Yellow-Finch
Sicalis auriventris
Fairly common in the Andes of central Chile and adjacent Argentina; seen readily at ski resorts, around villages, on bogs, and on stony and grassy slopes. Often in flocks, associates readily with other seed-eating birds. Feeds mainly on the ground, but sings from prominent perches such as a rock or building. Not appreciably larger than other yellow-finches, but no similar species in most of range. May overlap in winter locally with Greenish Yellow-Finch, which has shorter wings and a shorter bill, and male never is as bright golden as the Greater Yellow-Finch.
Identification
The greater yellow finch (Sicalis auriventris) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina and Chile. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, temperate grassland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Taxonomy
Genus: Sicalis; Family: Thraupidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Sicalis auriventris
- Authority
- Philippi & Landbeck, 1864
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Sicalis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: Complete migrants.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Scaly-throated Leaftosser
Sclerurus guatemalensis
Retiring inhabitant of humid tropical lowlands. Found singly, hopping on the ground in shady rainforest and tossing leaves with its bill, in search of insects and other morsels. Most often detected when disturbed or flushed, when it gives a sharp, whistled “skweek” call. Note the long and rather slender straight bill. Plumage is dark brown overall with paler mottling (not really scaling) on the throat and breast.
Silver-rumped Spinetail
Rhaphidura leucopygialis
Small, bullet-shaped swift with rather broad-based wings. Dark (glossy blue in optimal light) with extensive silvery rump patch. Named for thin protrusions from the tail, only sometimes visible at close range. Forages aerially over forest and edge habitat, often near water, sometimes in large numbers and among other swift species. Gives a rapid-fire, chattering trill.
Inaccessible Island Rail
Laterallus rogersi
A tiny, mouse-like flightless rail restricted to Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha group. The sooty adult has a brown back, a white-barred belly and flanks, and a reddish eye. Duller juvenile is paler and lacks barring. Prefers dense cover like tussock and thickets. Vocal, giving a strident trill to proclaim its territory, as well as a short “tchick” and other hard notes.
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