The black-masked finch is a species of South American bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Coryphaspiza. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across central South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and southeastern Peru. It favors seasonally wet or flooded lowland grasslands, open cerrado, moist shrublands, and the edges of marshes. The species typically keeps to areas with tall native grasses and scattered shrubs, often in lightly grazed or recently burned tracts. It avoids dense forest and highly cultivated landscapes, persisting where mosaics of natural grassland remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-masked finch is a grassland specialist of the South American cerrado and seasonally flooded savannas, and is the sole member of its genus. Males show a striking black facial mask that makes the species easy to identify when seen well, but it is often secretive and keeps low in dense grasses. It nests close to the ground and is sensitive to habitat alteration, especially conversion of native grasslands to agriculture and inappropriate fire regimes.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating dashes over grass
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping close to cover. Breeding occurs in the wet season; the nest is a small cup placed low in dense grass tussocks. Pairs are territorial during breeding, with the male singing from a low perch or grass stem. Outside breeding, it may form loose associations in suitable patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of thin notes and short trills delivered from within grass or a low perch. Calls include sharp chips and buzzy tsit notes, often given when flushed.
Plumage
Male with a bold black mask and throat contrasting with a grayish crown and nape; upperparts brown to olive-brown with faint streaking and underparts buffy to whitish. Female and immature birds are duller, with a reduced or absent mask and warmer brown tones overall. Feathers are sleek and lie close to the body, aiding its skulking habits in grass.
Diet
Consumes small grass and sedge seeds, complemented by insects and other small arthropods, especially during the breeding season. It forages mostly on or near the ground, picking seeds from seedheads and gleaning invertebrates from low vegetation. Opportunistic feeding increases after fires when seeds and insects are more accessible.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in native grasslands, open savanna, and shrubby edges where grass seedheads are abundant. Prefers patches with mixed grass heights and sparse shrubs, often near seasonal wetlands.
