Raimondi’s Yellow-Finch (Sicalis raimondii)

Identification & Behavior: ~12.5 cm (5 in). The male Raimondi’s Yellow-Finch has gray-brown upperparts and yellow sides of the head with gray ear patches. The center of the underparts is yellow bordered by gray on the sides. The female is mostly brown with little yellow on the face. It forages on the ground in large flocks concentrating in “Lomas” areas along the coast of Peru. It is similar to the Grassland Yellow-Finch but is larger, has yellow sides of the head with grayish ear patches, and is not associated with borders of marshes. It does not overlap with the similar Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch. Also see, Sulphur-throated Finch.

Status: Endemic. The Raimondi’s Yellow-Finch is generally uncommon but can be abundant and concentrate in large numbers in areas where food is available.

Name in Spanish: Chirigüe de Raimondi.

Sub-species: Raimondi’s Yellow-Finch (Sicalis raimondii), Taczanowski, 1874.

Meaning of Name: Sicalis: Gr. sikalis, sukallis, sukalidos= a small, black-headed bird, mentioned by Epicharmus. raimondii: In honor of Antonio Raimondi (1826-1890) Italian naturalist, explorer resident in Peru 1850-1890.

See more of the Family Thraupidae