Coryphaspiza melanotis
The Black-masked Finch (Coryphaspiza melanotis) is a small, strikingly patterned New World sparrow, the sole member of its genus. Males are instantly recognizable by their distinct black facial mask, bordered by a brilliant white supercilium, contrasting with a gray crown and nape. Their back is an olive-brown, while the underparts are a vibrant yellow, fading to whitish on the vent. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm (about 5 inches) in length and weighing 12-14 grams, its diminutive size beli...
Primarily inhabits open, dry or moist grasslands, cerrado, and savannas, often near scattered shrubs, low trees, or wetlands, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Consists mainly of small grass seeds and seeds of other herbaceous plants, supplemented with various small insects and their larvae, primarily foraged on the ground.
This finch is generally observed solitarily or in small, loose family groups, foraging unobtrusively on the ground by gleaning seeds and small invertebrates from the grass and leaf litter. Its daily activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon, often retreating to dense cover during the...
The Black-masked Finch is endemic to central and southeastern South America, exhibiting a fragmented distribution across parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. In Brazil, its range spans from central states like Mato Grosso and Goiás, south through Minas Gerais and São Paulo, extendin...
Near Threatened
- It is the sole member of its genus, Coryphaspiza, making it taxonomically unique among Neotropical passerines. - The Black-masked Finch shows a preference for open grasslands, especially those regularly affected by natural fires, which maintain its preferred vegetation structure. - Its striking...