The yellow-rumped siskin is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, as well as high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the central and southern Andes of Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It favors edges of moist montane forests, Polylepis and Alnus groves, high-altitude shrublands, and open weedy slopes. The species also uses human-modified areas like highland fields and road verges when seeding plants are abundant. Seasonal movements along elevation gradients are common as seed resources shift.
Altitude Range
2600–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This high-Andean finch is easily recognized by the male’s striking black-and-yellow contrast and the namesake bright yellow rump that flashes in flight. It often forms small flocks and makes short altitudinal movements following food availability. Females are duller olive-brown with a yellow rump, aiding camouflage among shrubs. It frequents Polylepis woodlands and open montane scrub, where it exploits seed-rich plants.
Specimen at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
bounding flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small, loose flocks, sometimes associating with other siskins. Monogamous pairs build a small cup nest in shrubs or small trees. Breeding coincides with peak seed availability, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A lively series of high, twittering trills and buzzy notes delivered from perches or in fluttering song flights. Contact calls are thin, sibilant ‘tsit’ notes exchanged within moving flocks.
Plumage
Male is largely black above and on the breast with vivid yellow rump, wing patches, and undertail; female is olive-brown with a conspicuous yellow rump and subtler yellow in the wings. Both sexes show fine, sleek plumage suited to windy highlands.
Diet
Primarily consumes small seeds from grasses, composites, and other herbaceous plants, often taking them directly from seed heads. It also feeds on seeds of shrubs and native high-Andean trees such as Polylepis. Buds and occasional plant matter are taken, with insects only rarely during the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shrub edges, weedy clearings, and forest margins, frequently clinging to seed heads. Will also feed on the ground in open puna patches and along road verges where pioneer plants seed heavily.
