The Patagonian yellow finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in southern Argentina and Chile. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and temperate grassland.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Patagonian steppe and shrublands of southern Argentina and southern Chile, extending to Tierra del Fuego. It favors open, windswept grasslands, dry shrub-steppe, and coastal heath, and also uses sparsely vegetated rocky slopes and road verges. Birds are often seen near estancias, pastures, and along watercourses where seed is abundant. In colder months it may shift locally to more sheltered valleys and coastal areas.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
One of the southernmost yellow-finches, it endures the cold, windy steppe of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Males are strikingly yellow, often standing out against bleak grasslands, while females are much duller for camouflage. Outside the breeding season it forages in small flocks and may associate with other seedeaters. It readily uses disturbed habitats such as roadsides and grazing lands.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding flight
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs during the breeding season and in small flocks at other times. Likely monogamous, nesting low in dense shrubs or grass tussocks, well concealed from wind. Forages mostly on the ground or low vegetation, often in loose groups.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, lively series of twitters and trills delivered from low perches or in short song-flights. Calls include thin chips and buzzy notes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Male bright yellow below with olive to gray-olive upperparts and faintly streaked mantle; head may show a subtly grayer tone. Female and immature birds are duller, with more olive-brown tones and heavier streaking above, yellow washed on the underparts. Plumage lacks strong wing bars and appears clean and smooth.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass and weed seeds, gleaned from the ground and seedheads. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and other arthropods for protein. It also takes buds and the soft parts of herbs when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open steppe, dry grasslands, and shrubby edges, often along tracks and near grazing areas where seeds accumulate. It uses sheltered leeward slopes and drainage lines during harsher weather.
