Coal-crested Finch

Overview

The coal-crested finch (Charitospiza eucosma) is a rare and near-threatened bird species that is the only member of the genus Charitospiza. It was previously classified in the bunting and American sparrow family, but molecular studies now place it in the large tanager family Thraupidae.

Identification

• Characterised by a long spiky crest and small body size.
• A dichromatic species where both sexes have a diagnostic crest, but females are brown while males are black, white, and grey.
• Juveniles resemble females but feature a white belly and lower mandible.
• Most common calls are soft.

Habitat

Found mainly in the Cerrado, with small populations in Bolivia and northern Argentina, ranging from 200 to 1,200 metres in elevation. Their natural habitat is dry savanna, and they prefer areas with exposed ground. These birds are non-migratory residents.

Diet

Omnivorous, their diet varies by season and reproductive activity, consisting mainly of grass, fruits, and arthropods. They forage alone, in pairs, or in flocks, capturing prey on the leaves and branches of trees.

Did you know?

Nests are constructed from spider webs and grass, with eggs that display blue, green, and brown colouring.