The sulphur-throated finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Tumbesian Dry Forests
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid and semi-arid scrub, thorny thickets, dry forest edges, and open country with scattered shrubs and cacti. It tolerates mosaic agricultural landscapes, field margins, and roadsides, often near watercourses and fallow plots. Within its range it is most frequent in lowlands and lower foothills, using both natural scrub and secondary growth. It may also visit gardens and ranchlands when seed resources are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small tanager, despite its name, is not a true finch; it belongs to the family Thraupidae. It is a characteristic bird of the Tumbesian dry forests of western Ecuador and northwestern Peru, where the male’s bright sulphur-yellow throat stands out against parched scrub. It adapts well to open, human-altered landscapes such as fields and roadside thickets. Pairs often nest low in shrubs or cacti and the male sings from exposed perches.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it often forages in small groups or loose flocks, sometimes with other small seedeaters. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and nest low in shrubs, cacti, or tangled vegetation, building a cup-shaped nest. The male frequently sings from exposed perches to advertise territory and attract a mate.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, tinkling series of twittering notes and trills, delivered in short bursts. Calls include sharp chips and soft buzzy notes used to keep contact in low scrub.
Plumage
Upperparts sandy to olive-brown with fine streaking; underparts paler with a vivid sulphur-yellow throat and upper breast, fading toward the belly. Wings and tail are dusky with pale edging. Females and immatures are duller and more streaked, with a reduced yellow wash.
Diet
Feeds primarily on grass and herb seeds, including those of weedy plants in disturbed areas. Supplements diet with small insects and larvae, especially during the breeding season. Will glean seeds from the ground and low stems and occasionally hawk tiny insects in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and in low shrubs within dry scrub, field margins, and secondary growth. Frequently uses open, sunny patches and edges where seed heads are abundant, and visits agricultural plots and roadsides.
