Plumbeous Sierra Finch
Geospizopsis unicolor
This common finch is found in open areas in the Andes from Venezuela to southernmost Argentina. Males are uniform bluish-gray with no distinct markings. Females in the northern part of its range are brown and streaky all over; in the south, females are grayer with fainter streaking. Both sexes have dull pinkish legs. Look for small flocks foraging on the ground in grasslands and open rocky areas, usually at elevations above 3,000 m, but descends much lower in southern South America. Sometimes mixes with other finches.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Geospizopsis unicolor
- Authority
- (d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Geospizopsis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel
Hydrobates furcatus
Unique among storm-petrels in having an entirely silvery-gray plumage. Aside from overall plumage color, look for contrasting dark underwings, dark mask around eye, and deeply forked tail. Breeds on offshore islands across the North Pacific, from Japan to California. Fairly common over cool water, often not far from shore. Found singly or in large flocks, often mixed with other storm-petrels.
White-headed Woodpecker
Dryobates albolarvatus
Distinctive woodpecker, unlikely to be confused with any other species. Almost entirely black with white head and small white wing patch. Males have red patch on back of crown; sexes otherwise alike. No other woodpecker shows clean white head and lack of patterning on back or belly. Found in coniferous forests, often in mountains. Usually seen in pairs or family groups. Listen for sharp "peek" notes, often rapidly doubled or tripled.
Grayish Mourner
Rhytipterna simplex
Large, rather monochromatic flycatcher that frequents the middle to upper levels of humid forests where it often accompanies mixed-species flocks. The plumage of males is a uniform gray with dark-red eyes, while females and juveniles have brownish wings-edges and tail. Very similar to Screaming Piha, but is smaller and has more rufous eyes. The song is a loud and fast “tr-tr-tr-chew” with emphasis on the “chew” note and is a conspicuous part of the dawn chorus.
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