The lesser grass finch, also known as the grey-cheeked grass-finch, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae; it was formerly placed in the Emberizidae.
Region
Southern and Southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in native grasslands (campos) and grassy savannas, including edges of marshes and seasonally wet meadows. Favors tall, rank grasses and lightly grazed pastures with standing stems for singing perches. Avoids intensively managed pasture, heavy grazing, and areas frequently burned. Populations are often isolated in remnant grassland fragments within an agricultural and silvicultural matrix.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the grey-cheeked grass-finch, this small tanager-family bird is tightly tied to native grasslands in southern and southeastern Brazil. It keeps low in tall grasses and is often detected by its thin, trilled song given from exposed stems. Populations are fragmented and threatened by conversion of native campos to agriculture, forestry, and frequent burning. Its long, wedge-shaped tail and gray cheeks help separate it from similar grassland seedeaters.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating hops over grass
Social Behavior
Typically in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to cover in tall grasses. Monogamous pairs nest low in dense vegetation, building a well-concealed cup. Both parents participate in feeding young, and family groups may remain together post-fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of trills and tinkling phrases, often delivered from a prominent grass stem. Calls are sharp chips used to keep contact in cover.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler buff underparts and a clean, slightly paler throat; cheeks distinctly gray. Tail long and wedge-shaped, often held low; wings with subtle brown edging. Overall smooth, lightly streaked to plain appearance suited for grassland camouflage.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass seeds and other small seeds, gleaned from seed heads and the ground. Supplements diet with small insects and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season to feed growing chicks. Forages methodically within dense grass, occasionally making short sallies to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in native campos, lightly grazed pastures, and marshy grass margins where seed heads are abundant. Prefers patches with mixed grass heights that provide both cover and exposed perches.
