The puna yellow finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in high-elevation puna grasslands and shrub-steppe across the central Andes of Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. It frequents open, windswept slopes with bunchgrasses, rocky outcrops, and cushion plants, and often uses wet meadows (bofedales) and edges of Polylepis or queñual woodland. The species tolerates exposed, cold conditions and sparse vegetation. It may also forage along roadsides and near remote settlements where seeds are abundant.
Altitude Range
3200–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Puna yellow-finch is a high Andean tanager adapted to cold, oxygen-poor environments of the puna grasslands. It often forms small flocks outside the breeding season and can be seen foraging on the ground among bunchgrasses. Males are notably bright yellow, making them conspicuous against the austere landscape. They sometimes move locally to slightly lower elevations during harsher weather.
Illustration (bird below) with Sicalis luteola (bird above)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Often in pairs during breeding, forming small to medium flocks in non-breeding periods. Nests are placed low in grass tussocks, rocky crevices, or shrubs, with both parents attending young. Displays simple courtship chases and perch singing by the male. Mixed-species foraging with other high-Andean finches may occur.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a bright, tinkling series of rapid trills and chirps delivered from a low perch or during short display flights. Calls are sharp chip notes used to maintain contact in flocks. Vocalizations carry well across open, windy terrain.
Plumage
Male is bright lemon-yellow on head, breast, and belly, with an olive to brownish, lightly streaked back and dusky wings edged yellow. Female is duller, more olive-buff above with faint streaking and a yellow wash below. Both sexes have a stout, conical bill and relatively plain tail with subtle yellow tones. Overall appearance is of a compact, bright yellow finch with darker upperparts.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass and herb seeds gleaned from the ground and seedheads. It also takes buds and small green plant material, especially when seeds are scarce. During the breeding season, it supplements its diet with small insects and other invertebrates for added protein. Foraging is typically low to the ground with deliberate hops and pecks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open puna grasslands, bofedales, rocky slopes, and along human-altered edges such as paths and small fields. It favors patches with abundant seed-producing grasses and sparse cover that allows good visibility. Flocks may concentrate at water edges where seeds accumulate.
