Hooded Siskin
NameHooded Siskin
Common NameHooded Siskin
Scientific NameSpinus magellanicus
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)13
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a glossy black head (hood), black back, and black wings with prominent yellow wing bars and patches. Their underparts, rump, and sides of the tail are bright yellow. Females are duller, olive-yellow overall, with a less defined or absent black hood, and streaking on the back and flanks.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a varied, musical song with trills, twitters, and rapid notes. Common calls are sharp 'chip' or 'tsee' notes, often given in flight or while foraging.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidely distributed across South America, from Colombia and Venezuela south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
Identifying Featuresblack hood (male), bright yellow body (male), yellow wing bars, small size, conical bill
Description
The Hooded Siskin is a small, vibrant finch known for its striking plumage. Males feature a distinctive black hood contrasting with a bright yellow body, while females are duller. They are often observed foraging for seeds in open or semi-open habitats.
