White-throated Sierra Finch
Idiopsar erythronotus
Rather inconspicuous “finch” that is actually a tanager; found very locally on bogs and rocky slopes of the high Andes. Usually in pairs (sexes look similar) or small groups, feeding quietly on the ground and not associating with other seed-eating birds. Gray overall; white throat patch not as bold and contrasting (unlike throat patch on Glacier Finch, which occurs in the same areas). Note plain gray head and big black panel on closed wing. Immature has brownish wash to back; compare with immature Red-backed Sierra Finch.
Identification
The white-throated sierra finch (Idiopsar erythronotus) is a species of tanager found in high-elevation Puna grassland habitat across the Altiplano of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Taxonomy
Genus: Idiopsar; Family: Thraupidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Idiopsar erythronotus
- Authority
- (Philippi & Landbeck, 1861)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Idiopsar
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-and-gold Tanager
Bangsia melanochlamys
Colorful and rather chunky tanager with a stout bill. It is endemic to Colombia, where it inhabits cloud forest in the western Andes as well as the northern end of the central Andes. Plumage is black with an orange breast, yellow belly, and blue shoulders. Similar to Golden-chested Tanager, but yellow on underparts is much more extensive. Usually seen in middle to upper levels of the forest, sometimes with mixed species flocks. Song, often given from an exposed perch, is a rasping “pit-zhee” that may be given several times in quick succession.
Red-capped Parrot
Purpureicephalus spurius
Medium-sized, vividly colored parrot of eucalypt woodlands in southwestern Australia, where it uses the long bill to feed on eucalypt seeds, especially of Marri trees. Upperparts dark green, underparts purple, with red under the tail, red cap, and bright lime-green cheeks. Juvenile lacks red cap and is dully plumaged below. Calls includes scratchy chattering and squawking.
Chilean Flicker
Colaptes pitius
No similar species in its range. Found in woodland, forest, matorral, and farmland with taller trees and hedges; often feeds on the ground. In some areas of central Chile nests in colonies in dirt bluffs, such as along roadsides; elsewhere usually nests in holes drilled in trees. Note the gray crown and plain buffy face (with dark whisker on male), big white rump patch, and yellow shafts to wing feathers (mainly visible in flight). Loud shrieking calls sometimes draw attention.
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