Birds
Patagonian Sierra-finch
Phrygilus patagonicus · also called Patagonian sierra finches
Favouring the cool, wooded edges of southern beech forest rather than the open ground preferred by many of its relatives, a Patagonian sierra-finch forages quietly through low vegetation across southern Chile and Argentina.
Overview
The Patagonian sierra-finch, Phrygilus patagonicus, is a Least Concern bird native to forest and mountain habitat across southern Chile and Argentina. Its preference for forested edges over open country, its relatively subdued plumage, and its wide elevational tolerance within southern beech forest make it one of the more ecologically distinctive sierra-finches found anywhere in South America.
A sierra-finch that prefers the trees
Where most sierra-finches are associated with open Andean grassland and scrub, the Patagonian sierra-finch instead favours the edges of southern beech forest, a habitat choice that sets it apart from many of its more open-country relatives found further north.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable southern beech forest habitat in southern Chile and Argentina.
Patagonian Sierra-finch: common questions
How does the Patagonian sierra-finch differ from other sierra-finches?
This species favours the edges of southern beech forest, a cooler and more wooded habitat than several of its more open-country sierra-finch relatives found further north in the Andes.
What does the Patagonian sierra-finch look like?
This species has a relatively subdued plumage compared with some of its more brightly coloured sierra-finch relatives found in other parts of South America.
Does the Patagonian sierra-finch form flocks?
Yes, this species often forms small flocks outside the breeding season, foraging together at the edges of forest clearings in search of seeds and insects.
What does the Patagonian sierra-finch's song sound like?
This species has a relatively short, direct song compared with some other South American songbirds, often given from a low perch near forest edges.