The many-colored Chaco finch is a songbird found in or near dry woodland in south-central South America in Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay. Evidence suggests it is a finch-like tanager.
Region
Gran Chaco and adjacent south-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in and around dry Chaco woodland, thorn scrub, and open brushy edges, including disturbed and semi-agricultural mosaics. It favors areas with scattered shrubs, low trees, and grassy patches for ground foraging. The species ranges across northern and central Argentina, western Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and locally into Uruguay where suitable dry woodland or scrub persists. It adapts to lightly grazed ranchlands and fence-row thickets. Proximity to water is not essential, but dense understory cover is important for nesting and concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, this species is not a true finch; molecular evidence places it among the tanagers (family Thraupidae), making it a finch-like tanager. It is closely tied to the dry thorny woodlands and scrub of the Gran Chaco and adjacent regions. Often seen in pairs or small groups, it forages low and on the ground. Its bold facial pattern and warm rufous tones help distinguish it from other Chaco seed-eaters.
Saltatricula multicolor by Keulemans, 1889
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small family groups or loose flocks at other times. Nests are typically placed low in dense shrubs or thorny bushes. It may join mixed-species foraging parties in scrubby habitats. Territorial singing from exposed perches is common in the early morning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a bright, ringing series of clear whistles and metallic chips delivered from a shrub or low tree. Calls include sharp ticks and soft tsee notes used to maintain contact within pairs or small groups.
Plumage
A robust, finch-like bird with a gray head and nape, bold black facial mask framed by a clean white supercilium and malar stripe, and an olive-brown back. The wings and tail are dusky with warm rufous edging. Underparts are buffy to cinnamon with paler throat and belly and richer rufous flanks.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass and weed seeds, supplemented by small insects and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season. It also takes buds, tender shoots, and occasional small fruits. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, where it picks seeds from soil, leaf litter, and low stems. Insects are gleaned from foliage or captured with quick sallies within low scrub.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along edges of thorn scrub, dry woodland understory, overgrown fields, and brushy fencerows. It favors patches with a mix of open ground for seed picking and dense cover for quick retreat.
