The red-backed sierra finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the central Andean highlands, frequenting puna grasslands, rocky slopes, and scrubby edges above treeline. It favors open, windswept areas with scattered shrubs, rock outcrops, and bunchgrasses, and may visit boggy puna meadows (bofedales). Often found near human-altered edges such as tracks and high-country pastures. Typically associates loosely with other high-Andean seed-eaters.
Altitude Range
3500–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-backed sierra finch is a high-Andean tanager (family Thraupidae) adapted to cold, open puna landscapes. Males show a striking rufous-red back that contrasts with a slate-gray head and underparts, while females are browner and more cryptic. It forages mostly on the ground among rocks and bunchgrasses, often in small groups. This species can make local altitudinal movements in response to weather and food availability.
Temperament
wary but confiding in open terrain
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between rocks and shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups, especially outside the breeding season. Forms monogamous pairs during breeding, nesting low in shrubs, grass clumps, or rocky crevices. Often associates with mixed flocks of other ground-foraging finches and seedeaters.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of metallic, tinkling notes and brief trills delivered from a low perch or rock. Calls include thin seeps and short chip notes used to keep contact in open habitats.
Plumage
Male shows a rich rufous-red back with slate-gray head, breast, and belly, and darker wings and tail; female is browner with subdued rufous tones on the back and faint streaking. Both sexes have a stout, conical bill suited to seed-cracking.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of native grasses and herbs, supplemented with buds and small berries when available. During the breeding season it also takes small insects and other invertebrates to meet protein demands. It cracks seeds with its stout bill and will glean arthropods from low vegetation and the ground.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open ground among rocks, tussock grasses, and at the edges of bofedales. Frequently works along trails, pasture margins, and sparsely shrubby slopes where seeds are abundant.
