The uniform finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, extending into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). It inhabits dense understory of moist forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, often in areas with bamboo and tangled shrubs. The species uses thickets along streams and clearings, where cover is abundant. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats as long as dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
200–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The uniform finch is a small tanager with notably even, plain plumage—hence its name. It frequents dense understory, especially thickets and secondary growth, where it can be inconspicuous. Its stout, conical bill is adapted to cracking hard seeds, and it often forages low to the ground or in bamboo. Pairs or small groups may join mixed-species flocks in forest edges.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes associating with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, where both cover and food are abundant. Breeding pairs maintain small territories within suitable thickets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, thin series of high-pitched notes and short trills delivered from low perches. Calls are soft chips and tseep notes used to keep contact in cover.
Plumage
Mostly uniform, plain plumage with a smooth, unpatterned appearance; slightly darker above and paler below.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small seeds from grasses and shrubs, using its stout bill to crack them. It supplements with small insects and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season. Foraging is typically low, gleaning from stems, seedheads, and the ground within dense cover.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory, bamboo patches, and shrubby edges where it can forage under cover. Also uses regenerating secondary growth and riparian thickets.
