Black-crested finch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-crested finch |
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| Conservation status | |
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Lophospingus
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| Species: |
pusillus
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The black-crested finch (scientific name: Lophospingus pusillus) is a small bird. It belongs to the tanager family, called Thraupidae. You can find this bird in Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
These birds live in dry areas with shrubland or high-altitude shrubland. They are quite common. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says they are a "least-concern species". This means they are not in danger of disappearing.
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What Does the Black-Crested Finch Look Like?
The adult black-crested finch is about 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) long. It has a beak that is yellowish-pink. One special thing about this bird is its spiky black crest on its head.
Differences Between Male and Female Finches
The male finch has a black head and a black throat. It also has a wide white stripe above its eye. Its cheek area is white too. The top part of its body, wings, and tail are grey. The tips of its wing-coverts are white. It also has large white spots at the corners of its tail. These spots are easy to see when the bird is flying. The underside of its body is mostly pale grey.
The female finch looks a bit duller than the male. She still has the crest, but her head pattern is not as clear. Her back and wings have a brownish color.
Where Do Black-Crested Finches Live?
The black-crested finch lives across a large area in South America. You can find them from southern Bolivia, through western Paraguay, and into northern Argentina.
They usually live in open woodlands and chaco scrubland. They can be found at heights of up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level. This bird has also been brought to Uruguay.
How Do Black-Crested Finches Live?
Black-crested finches are often seen in pairs or in small groups. They look for food on the ground and in the bushes. Their diet includes seeds and small insects.
The male finch builds the nest. It is shaped like a cup. The nest is made from things like lichens and plant fibers. These materials are held together with spider webs. The inside of the nest is lined with animal hairs and tiny roots.
