Ash-breasted Sierra Finch
Geospizopsis plebejus
Small and notably small-billed “finch” (actually a tanager!) of the high Andes, often found in wide-ranging flocks that associate readily with other seed-eating birds. Found on stony slopes with bushes, in puna grassland, and in villages. Plumage is rather drab, but the combination of the distinctive pale spectacles, the small bill, and dark-streaked back help with ID. Adult (sexes look similar) has plain grayish underparts, which are streaky on immature birds.
Identification
The ash-breasted sierra finch (Geospizopsis plebejus) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
Taxonomy
Genus: Geospizopsis; Family: Thraupidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Geospizopsis plebejus
- Authority
- (Tschudi, 1844)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Geospizopsis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: Complete migrants.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Red-necked Falcon
Falco chicquera
A rather small but powerful falcon with fast and direct flight. It has a rufous crown, nape, and moustachial stripe. A wide yellow eye-ring is quite distinct. Its upperparts are pale gray, and fine barring adorns its white underparts, which are sometimes suffused with gray. This bird of the open country mostly hunts birds on the wing, targeting its prey from a perch, often bringing it down quite close to the ground.
Subdesert Mesite
Monias benschi
Odd ground-dwelling bird that is rarely seen by those not looking for it. Males have pale underparts with dark spots, while females have heavy reddish markings below. Generally in small groups, though most often seen singly in defense posture, frozen in a tree, after being flushed by a local guide. Loud call starts with inquisitive “tsik” calls, then ends with a loose rattle; usually given in strident chorus by multiple birds. Walks on the ground like Madagascar Buttonquail, but much larger and longer-tailed. Smaller, shorter-legged, and shorter-tailed than the couas.
Blue-crowned Chlorophonia
Chlorophonia occipitalis
Small, chunky, emerald-green finch of humid evergreen forest in highlands and foothills. Usually in pairs or small groups feeding at fruiting trees and bushes, often in the canopy where easily overlooked. Note the bright yellow belly and stubby bill. Blue crown patch often difficult to see, given that birds are usually overhead. Note similar Green Shrike-Vireo, which occurs in some of the same areas.
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