The boulder finch or short-tailed finch is a species of bird previously placed in the family Emberizidae, but it appears to be related to the sierra finches Phrygilus of the tanager family Thraupidae and is now placed there.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high central Andes, primarily in Peru and western Bolivia, with records on rocky puna slopes, scree fields, and glacial moraines near and above treeline. It favors sparsely vegetated boulder-strewn areas, cushion-plant flats, and edges of high-altitude bogs and streams. The species is typically local but can be fairly common where suitable rockfields exist. It remains close to the ground, moving between rocks and using crevices for cover and nesting.
Altitude Range
3500–5200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the short-tailed finch, this high-Andean bird was formerly placed with buntings and sparrows (Emberizidae) but is now in the tanager family Thraupidae, close to the sierra finches. Its common name “boulder finch” comes from its strong association with rocky scree and glacial moraines, where it forages on the ground. The very short, square-tipped tail is distinctive among similar finch-like birds.
Boulder finch by Keulemans
Temperament
wary but often confiding at close range; typically quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
low, bounding flight with short rapid wingbeats between rock patches
Social Behavior
Usually forages singly or in pairs; small loose groups may form in the non-breeding season where food is concentrated. Nests are placed in rock crevices or among boulders, lined with grasses and fine fibers. Both parents are believed to participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of thin chips and short trills delivered from a rock perch or during brief display flights. Calls include sharp tseep notes used to maintain contact among pairs in broken rocky terrain.
Plumage
Stocky, short-tailed finch with mostly slaty-gray to gray-brown tones; underparts paler and subtly washed buff or whitish, especially on the throat and belly. Wings and tail look dark, the tail notably short and square-ended. Females and immatures tend to be browner and duller than males.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds of high-Andean grasses and herbs, cracking them with its sturdy conical bill. Supplements the diet with insects and other small arthropods, especially during the breeding season. Forages by hopping between rocks and picking items from the ground or low vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Boulder fields, scree slopes, and sparsely vegetated puna near streams and cushion plants. Often works along the edges of high-altitude bogs and in rock-strewn flats where seeds accumulate.
