The plumbeous sierra finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Found widely across the high Andes from southern Ecuador and Peru through Bolivia into northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. It inhabits open puna grasslands, rocky slopes, and high-altitude scrub, often near bofedales (high Andean wetlands) and pastures. The species tolerates sparsely vegetated, stony terrain and forages along roadsides and village edges at elevation. Local elevational movements may occur in response to weather and food availability.
Altitude Range
3000–5000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The plumbeous sierra finch is a high-Andean tanager often seen foraging on the ground in windswept puna grasslands. Males are strikingly uniform slate-gray, while females are browner and streaked, giving a dimorphic look that aids identification. It readily associates with mixed-species ground-feeding flocks and can be conspicuous around human settlements at high elevations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Often in small flocks, especially outside the breeding season, and may mix with other high-Andean seedeaters. Breeding pairs defend small territories, nesting low in shrubs, grass tussocks, or rocky crevices with a cup-shaped nest. Males sing from exposed rocks or shrub tops.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of thin, tinkling trills and chirps delivered from exposed perches. Calls include a sharp metallic tseet and soft twittering contact notes.
Plumage
Males are uniformly plumbeous to slate-gray with a plain, smooth appearance; females are brownish-gray with streaked upperparts and buff-washed, lightly streaked underparts.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass and herb seeds gleaned from the ground and low vegetation. Supplements diet with small insects and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season. Opportunistically takes buds and small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open puna grasslands, along rocky slopes, and around bofedales and pasture edges. Frequently forages along roadsides and village margins where seeds accumulate.
