The Tucumán mountain finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to shrubby woodland in the Andes of north-western Argentina, but it is possible its distribution extends marginally into adjacent Bolivia. Together with the closely related Cochabamba mountain finch, it is placed in the genus Poospiza. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane foothills and inter-Andean valleys of northwestern Argentina, favoring shrubby woodland, dry thickets, and ecotones between open woodland and scrub. It uses hedgerows, second-growth, and scrubby slopes with scattered trees. Birds are often found near edges and clearings where seed and insect availability is high. The species may extend marginally into adjacent southern Bolivia, but confirmed records are scarce. Habitat fragmentation has created a patchy, localized distribution across suitable shrublands.
Altitude Range
1500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tucumán mountain finch is a high-Andean tanager that keeps close to dense shrubs and open woodland edges, often remaining low and skulking. It is closely related to the Cochabamba mountain finch and both have undergone taxonomic reshuffling within the tanager-finches of the Andes. Habitat loss from agriculture and woodcutting has fragmented its range, making local populations patchy. Careful listening for its simple, tinkling song can reveal birds that are otherwise hard to see.
Temperament
skulking but active in cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, foraging low in shrubs and small trees. Territorial during the breeding season, with pairs defending small areas of dense cover. Nests are placed in shrubs or low trees and are concealed within foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, tinkling series of thin notes delivered from a low perch within a shrub or from the edge of a thicket. Calls include dry chips and soft trills used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
A small finch-like tanager with a contrasting head and warm-toned body; generally gray to gray-brown on the head with rufous or cinnamon tones on the upperparts and flanks, and paler underparts. The plumage shows subtle facial contrast with a pale throat and often a faint supercilium. Wings and tail are darker, sometimes with pale edging.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds, buds, and a variety of arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. During the breeding season, it increases insect intake, including caterpillars and small beetles, likely to provision young. It may also take small berries when available. Foraging is methodical, with short hops and brief sallies within dense cover.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense shrub layers, at woodland edges, and in second-growth thickets. Often uses ecotones and hedgerows where seeds and insects are concentrated, avoiding continuous closed forest.
