The long-tailed reed finch is a species of South American bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of its genus Donacospiza.
Region
Southern Cone
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in southern South America, especially in the pampas and coastal lowlands of Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and adjacent Paraguay. It favors freshwater marshes, reedbeds, and wet grasslands with dense cover. Birds are frequently found along the margins of ponds, slow rivers, irrigation canals, and seasonally flooded fields. Populations can be patchy where suitable tall emergent vegetation is discontinuous. Local movements follow water levels and reed growth.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A monotypic member of the tanager family (Thraupidae), the long-tailed reed finch specializes in tall marsh vegetation and pampas wetlands. It often sings from exposed reed tops despite otherwise skulking habits. Its long, graduated tail helps with balance while moving through dense reeds. Drainage and degradation of marshes can locally affect its numbers.
Temperament
skulking but sings from exposed perches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages singly or in small loose groups, often remaining in cover. During breeding, pairs defend small territories within extensive reedbeds or wet grasslands. The nest is a cup placed low in dense grasses or reeds, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, tinkling series of notes delivered from reed tops, interspersed with thin whistles. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while moving through cover.
Plumage
Slender, long-tailed finch with brown, lightly streaked upperparts and paler buffy underparts; tail is long and graduated. Males show a grayish head with a whitish forehead/supercilium and a clean whitish throat, contrasting with warmer brown back and wings. Females are duller and more uniformly brown with subtler facial markings. Both sexes show discreet wing edging and a contrastingly long, dark tail.
Diet
Primarily takes grass and sedge seeds gleaned from seed heads and the ground. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and other arthropods, providing protein for nestlings. It also nips tender shoots and occasionally consumes small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense reedbeds, rank grasses, and along marsh margins. Often clambers up stems to harvest seeds and will descend to damp ground or shallow water edges to pick food.
