Olivaceous Siskin

Overview

The olivaceous siskin (Spinus olivaceus) is a species of finch found in the eastern side of the tropical high Andes. It is a fairly common species across its range in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, assessed by the IUCN as being of least concern.

Identification

• Adult males feature a black face, head, nape, throat and upper breast, contrasted by a narrow yellow collar and olive green upper parts streaked with black.
• The bird displays a yellow rump, with greater wing coverts edged in yellow that forms a yellow panel when in flight.
• Adult females and juveniles are mainly yellowish-olive without the male's black head, though juveniles appear more brownish with duller yellow parts.
• Both sexes possess grey beaks and pinkish-brown or brown legs.

Habitat

Inhabiting the eastern side of the tropical high Andes, its range extends from northern Peru through southeastern Ecuador to La Paz and Cochabamba in Bolivia. It typically occupies elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 metres, favouring forest clearings and verges within subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Diet

This active and social species usually feeds on seeds, foraging mainly on the ground and in low shrubs, though it occasionally feeds higher in trees. It is commonly observed in pairs or small groups, but may form larger flocks during the winter.

Did you know?

Although the olivaceous siskin is generally similar in appearance and behaviour to the hooded siskin, the two species are distinguished by their different ranges and habitat choices.