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Overview
Rusty-browed warbling finch

Rusty-browed warbling finch

Wikipedia

The rusty-browed warbling finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina and Bolivia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Andean Yungas

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of northwestern Argentina and adjacent Bolivia. Prefers dense understory, especially along forest edges, ravines, and in bamboo (Chusquea) thickets. Also uses second-growth forest, shrubby clearings, and roadside tangles near intact forest. Typically keeps to lower and mid-levels of the vegetation, rarely venturing into open areas.

Altitude Range

900–2800 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm
Wing Span18–22 cm
Male Weight0.018 kg
Female Weight0.016 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This small Andean tanager is named for its rich rusty eyebrow, a standout field mark in shaded montane forests. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the undergrowth and forest edge, moving quietly while giving soft chips. Its song is a sweet, warbling series of whistles. Though tied to humid forest, it tolerates second growth and bamboo thickets.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often travels in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nests are typically placed low in dense vegetation. Breeding pairs maintain small territories but may tolerate neighbors at the edges. Foraging is methodical, with frequent pauses to glean from leaves and stems.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A pleasant, musical warble of clear whistles and trills delivered from low perches inside the forest. Calls are soft chips and tsit notes used to keep contact within flocks.

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