Plumbeous Sierra Finch
NamePlumbeous Sierra Finch
Common NamePlumbeous Sierra Finch
Scientific NamePhrygilus unicolor
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)19
Plumage DetailsThe bird in the image, likely a female or immature male, exhibits a dull, uniform grey plumage over its body, with slightly darker grey flight feathers and tail. It has a pale, conical bill and dark legs.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include simple, high-pitched 'tsip' or 'tseet' calls, often given while foraging or in flight. Males may have a short, simple song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Andes mountain range of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela south to Tierra del Fuego, typically at high elevations.
Identifying FeaturesDull grey plumage (female/immature), Uniform slate-blue plumage (adult male), Conical, pale bill, Terrestrial foraging behavior, High-altitude Andean habitat
Description
This small, stocky finch is typically found in high-altitude open habitats of the Andes. Males are uniformly slate-blue, while females and immatures, like the one pictured, are dull grey-brown, often foraging on the ground for seeds and insects.
