The greenish yellow finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the central Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the central Andes of Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It favors puna and high-altitude shrublands, rocky slopes, and edges of Polylepis or shrub patches. The species is common around pastures, agricultural terraces, and rural settlements, often in open, sparsely vegetated ground. It also uses heavily degraded former forest and scrub mosaics where seeds are abundant.
Altitude Range
2000–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean finch often forages in small flocks and readily uses human-altered landscapes, from field edges to village outskirts. Males deliver bright, tinkling songs from exposed perches like shrubs, fence posts, or boulders. It frequently joins mixed-species groups with other finches and siskins and is notably tolerant of degraded habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with an undulating path
Social Behavior
Often forms small flocks outside the breeding season and may mix with other high-Andean finches. Pairs nest in the austral spring–summer, placing cup nests in crevices, banks, stone walls, or dense shrubs. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, tinkling series of rapid trills and twittering notes, delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and short buzzes used to keep flock contact.
