The ash-breasted sierra finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the central Andes from southern Peru through western Bolivia to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. It frequents puna grasslands, open shrubby slopes, rocky foothills, and the edges of Polylepis woodland. The species also uses fallow fields and village margins at high elevations. It is generally a bird of open country with scattered shrubs and boulders, where it can feed on the ground and quickly take cover.
Altitude Range
2500–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Formerly placed in the genus Phrygilus, the ash-breasted sierra finch is now commonly treated in Geospizopsis within the tanager family (Thraupidae). It is well adapted to cold, open Andean habitats and often forages on the ground for seeds. During the breeding season it supplements its diet with insects, especially for nestlings. It is frequently seen near human-altered landscapes such as agricultural terraces and village edges in highland regions.
Temperament
wary but approachable in open habitats
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between shrubs and rocks
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, forming small loose flocks at other times. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or in grass tussocks. Pairs defend small territories while breeding but may forage alongside other seedeaters in the non-breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a brief, twittering series of clear trills and chirps delivered from a shrub top or rock. Calls are thin, metallic ticks and short chips used to maintain contact in open terrain.
Plumage
Male shows an ashy-gray head and breast with a browner back and wings, and a paler, buffy underbelly; female is more uniformly brown with subtle streaking and a duller, grayish wash on the breast. Both sexes have a short, stout bill and relatively plain wings without strong wing bars. The tail is dark and slightly notched.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants gleaned from the ground. During the breeding season it adds insects and other small invertebrates to provide protein for chicks. It will also take buds and tender plant material when seeds are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open ground, along paths, and among rocks and low shrubs. Often feeds at the edges of agricultural plots and near villages where seed resources are concentrated.
