The black-and-chestnut warbling finch is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is found on the slopes of the Andes in western Argentina and western Bolivia. Its natural habitats are woodland borders and hedgerows.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs along the eastern Andean slopes of western Bolivia and northwestern to western Argentina, especially in ecotones between montane woodland and agricultural areas. It frequents hedgerows, scrubby pastures, and borders of yungas and dry intermontane shrublands. The species tolerates human-modified landscapes if dense shrubs persist. Local movements may track food availability across valleys and slopes.
Altitude Range
1200–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tanager, formerly placed in Poospiza, favors shrubby edges, hedgerows, and woodland borders on Andean slopes. It often forages in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks. The male’s striking black hood contrasts with rich chestnut tones, aiding quick identification. Its adaptable edge-habitat preferences help it persist in agricultural mosaics.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in shrubby edges. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-height in dense shrubs. Likely socially monogamous, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, sweet warble delivered in short phrases, often from a shrub top or hedgerow. Calls include sharp metallic chips and trills used to maintain contact within pairs or small groups.
Plumage
Male shows a black hood and upper chest with slate-gray upperparts and rich chestnut underparts; two faint pale wingbars are often visible. A narrow whitish moustachial line may border the black face. Female is duller with browner-gray head, reduced black, and paler chestnut wash below.
Diet
Takes small seeds, berries, and a variety of arthropods such as beetles and caterpillars. Gleans from shrub foliage and twigs and also picks items from the ground. During breeding, it may increase insect intake for nestlings while continuing to consume seeds and fruit.
Preferred Environment
Forages in hedgerows, scrubby field margins, second-growth thickets, and woodland edges. Often uses dense shrub cover near agricultural plots and along roadsides.
