Greenish Yellow-Finch (Sicalis olivascens)

Identification & Behavior: ~14 cm (5.5 in). The Greenish Yellow-Finch is mostly yellow with a tinge of olive, particularly on the underparts. The wings have dusky streaks. It forages on the ground in montane scrub in pairs or family groups. It is similar to the Puna Yellow-Finch but is distinguished by a more olivaceous tone, and by foraging in scrub and similarly vegetated areas. The Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch is larger and has contrasting gray and yellow plumage.

Status: The Greenish Yellow-Finch is common on the west slope and inter-Andean valleys at elevations ranging between 1650-4200 m. It also occurs in Bo and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Chirigüe Verdoso.

Sub-species: Greenish Yellow-Finch. (Sicalis olivascens salvini), (C. Chubb), 1919.  N Peru from La Libertad S to Huánuco.
(Sicalis olivascens chloris), Tschudi, 1846.  W & S Peru (Ancash S to Tacna) and N Chile (Arica–Parinacota S to Coquimbo).
(Sicalis olivascens olivascens), (d’Orbigny and Lafresnaye), 1837.  SE Peru (Cuzco and Puno) and W & C Bolivia S to NW Argentina (Salta and Jujuy S to N La Rioja).

Meaning of Name: Sicalis: Gr. sikalis, sukallis, sukalidos= a small, black-headed bird, mentioned by Epicharmus. olivascens: L. olivascens, olivascentis= somewhat olive.

See more of the Family Thraupidae