The citron-headed yellow finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the Andes of Bolivia and far northern Argentina. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the central Andes of Bolivia and far northern Argentina, favoring open, sparsely vegetated slopes and high-altitude shrublands. It frequents puna grasslands, rocky hillsides, and edges of Polylepis or other scrubby patches. The species also uses agricultural fringes, roadsides, and village outskirts, especially where seeds are abundant. It is most often seen in small groups moving between low shrubs, rocks, and the ground.
Altitude Range
3000–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This bright Andean finch often forms small flocks outside the breeding season and readily uses open shrubby slopes and puna grasslands. Males show a striking lemon-yellow head that stands out against rocky highland backdrops. It sometimes nests in crevices, banks, or man‑made structures near villages. During breeding, it supplements a largely seed-based diet with insects for protein.
A citron-headed yellow finch (Sicalis luteocephala) eating seeds at the general cemetery (Cementerio General) in Sucre, Bolivia.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating bounds
Social Behavior
Often in pairs during breeding and in small loose flocks at other times, sometimes mixing with other high-Andean seed-eaters. Nests are placed in rock crevices, earthen banks, or man-made cavities. Likely monogamous, with both adults involved in provisioning young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local altitudinal movements
Song Description
A bright, tinkling series of trills and twittering phrases delivered from low perches or during short song-flights. Call notes are thin, high 'tsit' or 'tsee' used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Male shows a bright citron-yellow head and underparts with an olive-brown to brownish, lightly streaked back and dusky wings edged paler; female is duller, more brownish with weaker yellow tones and more streaking. Both sexes have a neat, seed-eater look with clean underparts and modest wing edging.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of grasses and low shrubs, gleaned from the ground and seedheads. Supplements with buds and small green plant matter. During the breeding season, it takes small insects and other invertebrates to meet higher protein demands.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open puna grasslands, shrubby slopes, rocky flats, and field edges. Often forages on the ground or low in shrubs, moving in small groups between patches of seed-rich vegetation.
