The mourning sierra finch is a species of South American bird in the tanager family Thraupidae.
Region
Southern Andes and Patagonian steppe
Typical Environment
Occurs from central and northern Chile across much of Argentina into Patagonia, with local movements northward in the austral winter. It favors arid to semi-arid matorral, open shrub-steppe, and sparsely vegetated slopes, and also uses fallow fields and road edges. In the south it can be found from near sea level in windswept steppe, while farther north it occupies canyon bottoms and foothill scrub. It tolerates dry conditions and open ground interspersed with low bushes, often near rocky outcrops.
Altitude Range
0–3500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The mourning sierra finch is a South American tanager (family Thraupidae) adapted to arid shrublands and open steppe. Males are darker and more contrasting than females, which are browner and streaked for camouflage. It forages mostly on the ground for seeds but supplements its diet with small insects, especially during breeding. Outside the nesting season it often joins loose flocks with other sierra finches.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs during the breeding season, nesting low in shrubs or on the ground concealed by vegetation. Outside of breeding it forms small flocks, sometimes mixed with other sierra finches and ground-tyrants. The nest is a cup of grasses and fibers; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a brief, tinkling series of simple notes and trills delivered from a shrub top or rock. Calls include sharp chips and buzzy twitters used to keep contact within loose flocks.
