The diuca finch is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Diuca. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Southern Andes and Southern Cone
Typical Environment
The diuca finch occupies open, shrubby habitats across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (southern), Chile, and Uruguay. It is frequent in dry matorral, Patagonian steppe, and high-altitude shrublands, as well as hedgerows and field margins. In the Andes it breeds in upland scrub and descends to lower valleys in the non-breeding season. It readily uses disturbed habitats, including heavily degraded former forest, pastures, and peri-urban areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The diuca finch is the sole member of the genus Diuca and belongs to the tanager family (Thraupidae). It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, often appearing along roadsides, ranchlands, and gardens. In the Andes some populations move downslope in winter, making it a partial altitudinal migrant.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small flocks and may join mixed groups of seedeaters. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build a cup nest in shrubs or low trees. Clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs, and both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male gives a bright, clear series of chirps and tinkling trills, often from a shrub top or fence post. Calls include sharp metallic 'tink' notes and soft contact chips.
Plumage
Smooth gray head and breast with a clean white throat, brownish wings, and warm rufous belly and undertail coverts.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of grasses and forbs, using its stout bill to husk them. It supplements with insects, especially in the breeding season to feed young. It may also take small berries and occasionally glean spilt grain around agricultural areas. Often forages in pairs or small groups and may join mixed flocks of finches and seedeaters.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground and low in shrubs in open scrub, field edges, stubble, pastures, and weedy roadsides. In uplands it works shrubby slopes and puna-like grassland edges. Around settlements it also forages in gardens and parks.
