The glacier finch, also known as the white-winged diuca finch and glacier bird, is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs at very high elevations from central Peru south through Bolivia into northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. It favors open, windswept terrain near the snowline, including glacier margins, rocky scree, and alpine puna. Birds forage on ground-hugging vegetation and around meltwater edges, often venturing onto moraines. During harsher weather they may descend slightly to more sheltered alpine meadows. Local movements track snow and resource availability.
Altitude Range
4000–5500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the white-winged diuca finch or glacier bird, it is a high-Andean specialist often found along the edges of glaciers and permanent snowfields. Remarkably, it has been documented nesting in crevices of glacial ice and among moraine rocks at extreme elevations. Its bold white wing patches are conspicuous in flight over stark alpine landscapes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, swift wingbeats over open alpine terrain
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups outside the breeding season, foraging and moving together near glacier edges. Breeds in pairs, sometimes in loose aggregations where suitable nesting crevices exist. Nests may be placed in ice crevasses, snowbanks, or rock cavities near glaciers. Both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A thin, tinkling series of high-pitched notes and short trills, delivered from rocks or during short display flights. Contact calls are sharp, metallic chips that carry well over windy, open slopes.
