Gray-crested Finch
Lophospingus griseocristatus
Small, mostly terrestrial finch-like tanager of dry intermontane valleys from central Bolivia to NW Argentina. Plain gray plumage and erect crest distinctive. Prefers open thorn scrub, especially mixed with cacti. Juvenile similar to juvenile and female Black-crested Finch, but supercilium much narrower.
Identification
The grey-crested finch has a distinctive erect, spiky grey crest. Other parts of the bird are grey also, with the underparts being paler than the upper parts, and the belly being whitish. The wings and tail are deeper grey, except for the outer corners of the tail which are white and particularly noticeable in flight. The beak is yellow, pink and grey. The adult length of this finch is about 14 cm (5.5 in).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lophospingus griseocristatus
- Authority
- (d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Lophospingus
Range and habitat
The grey-crested finch is native to South America. Its range includes the Andean foothills of western Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, where it occurs at altitudes of between 1,500 and 3,100 m (4,900 and 10,200 ft). It typically occurs in arid habitats, in dry scrubland with tall cacti, dry valleys in the mountains, and on the fringes of agricultural land. It is common in Bolivia but less so in Argentina.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The grey-crested finch is generally seen in small groups foraging on the ground for seeds and small invertebrates. Little is known of its breeding habits but in Bolivia, juveniles have been seen in Cochabamba Department in December and June and in Santa Cruz Department in April.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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