Puna Yellow-Finch
NamePuna Yellow-Finch
Common NamePuna Yellow-Finch
Scientific NameSicalis lutea
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsMales are largely bright yellow-green, with brighter yellow on the underparts and duller olive-green on the upperparts, back, and wings. Wings and tail are dusky with olive-green edgings. Females are duller overall, more olive-brownish on upperparts, and less vibrant yellow on underparts, sometimes with faint streaking on the flanks. The bill is conical and grayish in both sexes.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a simple, high-pitched 'tseet' or 'tsip' call. The song is a series of simple, high-pitched notes, often described as a 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'swee-swee-swee' trill.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes of South America, specifically in southern Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesSmall, stocky finch body shape, Overall yellow-green coloration (especially males), Conical, grayish bill, Preference for high-altitude puna and grassland environments, Duller, more olive-brownish females with less vibrant yellow
Description
This small, stocky finch is characterized by its predominantly yellow-green plumage, brighter on the underparts and duller olive-green on the back and wings. It typically forages on the ground for seeds in the high-altitude grasslands and puna habitats of the Andes.
