White-bridled Finch

Overview

The white-bridled finch (Melanodera melanodera) is a small passerine bird classified as a tanager, also known by the names canary-winged finch or black-throated finch. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its mainland population is considered to be declining due to overgrazing.

Identification

• Males display a grey-green back, yellow underparts, and a grey head with a black throat and mask bordered in white.
• Large yellow patches are visible in the wings and tail of both sexes, though females are predominantly brown with dark streaks.
• The bird measures 14–15 cm in length, with mainland birds being smaller and possessing smaller bills than their Falkland counterparts.
• The song consists of a repeated series of two or three whistles, delivered from low perches such as rocks or grass tussocks.

Habitat

Found in grassland across southernmost South America, the species typically inhabits flat areas of grassland, heathland, farmland, or dunes. Its range extends from approximately 47°S latitude to northern Tierra del Fuego, including the Falkland Islands, southern Chile, and Argentina.

Diet

This bird forages on the ground, feeding mainly on seeds, with a particular preference for those of grasses.

Did you know?

The nest is constructed from grass and lined with hair or feathers, placed low down in vegetation or between stones, and holds three or four eggs that are usually blue-grey or grey-green with purple-brown markings towards the larger end.