Black Siskin (Spinus atrata)

Identification & Behavior: ~12.5 cm (5 in). The male Black Siskin is mostly black with yellow center of the belly, vent, and undertail coverts.  The tail feathers are mostly yellow with a black terminal band and a black central pair of feathers. The female is a dull version of the male. In both sexes, the wing is black with a broad yellow band along the middle. The bill is conical and pointy. It favors open habitats and also agricultural fields. The Black Siskin is unmistakable but see Hooded Siskin.

Status: The Black Siskin are generally uncommon in scrub and open habitats at elevations ranging between 3500 – 4600 m. It also occurs in Bo and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Jilguero Negro.

Sub-species: Black Siskin (Spinus atrata), d’Orbigny and Lafresnaye, 1837.

Meaning of Name: Spinus: Gr. Spinos= unidentified bird mentioned in ancient Greek writing, usually treated as a type of finch.  atrata: L. atratus= clothed in mourning, ater= black.

Formerly known as Sporagra atrata (2018).

See more of the Family Fringillidae