Band-tailed Sierra-Finch
NameBand-tailed Sierra-Finch
Common NameBand-tailed Sierra-Finch
Scientific NamePhrygilus alaudinus
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsMales have a distinctive bluish-gray head, throat, and breast, fading to lighter gray on the belly. The back and wings are streaked brown and buff, with darker flight feathers. The bill is bright yellow. The tail is dark with white outer tail feathers, forming a band when spread. Females are duller, with more extensive brown streaking on the head and underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include sharp 'chip' or 'tseep' calls, often given while foraging or in flight. Their song is typically a simple, high-pitched series of notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes mountains of South America, ranging from southern Ecuador through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, and extending into western Argentina.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow conical bill, bluish-gray head and underparts (males), streaked brown back and wings, white outer tail feathers, ground-foraging behavior
Description
This small, finch-like bird is characterized by its bright yellow bill and varying plumage. Males typically display a bluish-gray head and underparts, while females are duller and more streaked. They are often observed foraging on the ground in open, arid habitats.
