The stripe-tailed yellow finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and pastureland.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from northern to central South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru. It favors open, dry habitats such as savannas, cerrado and chaco-like grasslands, shrubby caatinga, and heavily grazed pastureland. Often found along roadsides, fencelines, and field margins, and readily uses disturbed or semi-urban rural areas. It avoids dense forest and prefers scattered bushes or trees for perching and singing.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Despite its name, the stripe-tailed yellow finch is a tanager (family Thraupidae) rather than a true finch. Males are vivid yellow and are often seen singing from fence lines or shrubs in open country. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes such as pastures and roadsides. The dark-centered tail feathers that create a striped look are a key field mark.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding flight
Social Behavior
Often forms small flocks or loose groups outside the breeding season, frequently mixing with other seedeaters in open fields. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and the male sings from exposed perches. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs, grass clumps, or occasionally in cavities and human structures.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, rapid series of trills and tinkling notes delivered from a fencepost, wire, or bush. Calls include sharp chips and short twittering contact notes used within small flocks.
Plumage
Male bright yellow overall with slightly olive-tinged upperparts; wings and tail darker with pale edging. Female duller, more olive-brown above with yellowish underparts and subtle streaking. Tail shows conspicuous dark-centered rectrices that create a striped appearance when spread.
Diet
Primarily consumes small seeds of grasses and weeds gleaned from the ground and low vegetation. Supplements diet with small insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season to feed young. Often forages in small groups, moving methodically across open ground. Will take advantage of harvested fields and areas with abundant seed fall.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open savannas, pastureland, stubble fields, and along roadsides and field margins. Frequently uses fencelines and low perches to scan for food and then drops to the ground to pick seeds.
