Vietnamese Greenfinch

Overview

The Vietnamese greenfinch (Chloris monguilloti) is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Fringillidae. As a monotypic species, it is the sole member of its genus within its specific regional context and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although it faces threats from habitat loss.

Identification

• Length ranges from 13.5 to 14 cm with a body weight of 15 to 16 g.
• Possesses a large conical bill, a black head, and a narrow bright yellow collar.
• Female plumage is similar to the male but is noticeably less brightly coloured.

Habitat

Native exclusively to the Đà Lạt Plateau in southern Vietnam, this bird inhabits open montane pine forests of Pinus kesiya, forest edges, and secondary growth. It typically occurs at elevations between 1,050 and 1,900 meters, though it has been recorded as low as 600 meters.

Diet

The species primarily feeds on the seeds of pine trees and has been observed flycatching recently-hatched termites.

Did you know?

The specific epithet of this bird honours Maurice Antoine François Monguillot, the General Secretary of French Indochina, linking the species' name directly to colonial administrative history.