Thick-billed Siskin
NameThick-billed Siskin
Common NameThick-billed Siskin
Scientific NameSpinus crassirostris
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)21.5
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a glossy black head, olive-green back, and bright yellow rump and underparts. The wings are black with prominent yellow wing bars and patches, and the tail is black with yellow at the base. Females are duller, lacking the black cap, with streaky olive-green and yellowish plumage.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a varied song of trills and whistles, often incorporating buzzing notes. Calls are typically sharp 'tsee-tsee' notes and more drawn-out 'sweee' sounds.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes mountains of South America, ranging from southern Peru through Bolivia to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina.
Identifying Featuresthick conical bill, male black head, male bright yellow underparts, male olive-green back, yellow wing patches
Description
The Thick-billed Siskin is a small finch characterized by its robust, conical bill. Males display striking plumage with a black head, olive-green back, and bright yellow underparts and wing patches. This species typically inhabits high-altitude Andean forests and shrublands, where it forages primarily for seeds.
