The slender-billed finch is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Xenospingus.
Region
Coastal Peru and northern Chile
Typical Environment
Found in arid coastal river valleys and oases where riparian vegetation persists within the Peruvian and northern Chilean deserts. It favors thickets, Prosopis (algarrobo/tamarugo) groves, hedgerows, and dry scrub near watercourses, including irrigation canals and fallow fields. It tolerates some disturbance and may occur at the edges of agricultural areas if native shrubs remain. Nesting typically occurs in low shrubs or small trees within dense cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The slender-billed finch is the sole member of the genus Xenospingus within the tanager family (Thraupidae). Its long, narrow bill is adapted for extracting small seeds and arthropods from dry scrub and Prosopis (mesquite) pods in arid river valleys. It relies on riparian thickets and desert scrub that have been widely cleared, which has affected local populations. It often forages quietly in pairs or small groups, making it easy to overlook despite occurring near human-modified habitats.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups; outside the breeding season small loose flocks may form in suitable thickets. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest low in dense shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, tinkling series of high-pitched notes and brief trills delivered from within cover or low perches. Calls include soft chips and seet-like notes used to maintain contact while foraging.
Plumage
Mostly plain, smooth plumage with pale gray to sandy-brown upperparts and paler grayish or whitish underparts; subtle contrast between back and belly. Wings and tail slightly darker with minimal patterning.
Diet
Consumes small dry seeds, especially from Prosopis pods and grasses, along with buds and occasional berries. Supplements diet with small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, particularly during breeding. Forages by gleaning from pods, leaves, and low branches, and by picking from the ground beneath shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in riparian thickets, mesquite groves, hedgerows, and desert scrub near watercourses and irrigated fields. Often stays low, moving methodically through dense cover and along shrub edges.
