The wedge-tailed grass finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae; it was formerly placed in the Emberizidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Region
South America and southern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Panama and Costa Rica south through northern and central South America to Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina, also in the Guianas and the Orinoco and Amazon basins. It inhabits open grassy habitats including savannas, cerrado, pastures, pampas-like grasslands, and marsh edges. Often found in disturbed or grazed fields with tall, rank grasses and scattered shrubs. It avoids dense forest, keeping to edges, clearings, and riverine grasslands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Despite its name, this tanager-relative was formerly placed with buntings and sparrows (Emberizidae) but is now in Thraupidae. It favors tall grasslands and savannas where its long, wedge-shaped tail helps with balance while clambering through stems. Males often sing from exposed grass tops, making an otherwise skulking bird easier to spot.
Temperament
skulking but often perches conspicuously to sing
Flight Pattern
short low flights with rapid wingbeats between grass clumps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, moving through dense grasses. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in tall grass or shrubs. Likely monogamous, with males singing from elevated perches during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, tinkling trills and buzzy phrases delivered from exposed stems. Calls include sharp ticks and soft chips used to maintain contact in dense cover.
