Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch (Microspingus alticola)

Identification & Behavior: ~16 cm (6.2 in). The Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch has gray upperparts and tail. The head is black with a broad and long white superciliary that extends to the sides of the nape. The throat and center of the underparts are white bordered by a variable amount of rufous on the sides of the breast and belly. It is generally associated with Polylepis woodlands, but also forages in scrub and shrubs near Polylepis stands particularly in those where Gynoxys is present. The Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch’s plumage is unique in its restricted range but see the Rufous-breasted Warbling-Finch.

Status: Endemic. The Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch is restricted to a small region on the west slope of the northern Andes at elevations ranging between 3100-4600 m.

Name in Spanish: Monterita de Cola Simple.

Sub-species: Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch (Microspingus alticola) Salvin, 1895.

Meaning of Name: Microspingus: Gr. Mikros= small, spingos= finch. alticola: L. altus= high (i.e. highland, mountain) and cola= dweller.

Formerly known as Hemispingus alticola (2017).

See more of the Family Thraupidae