Spinus atratus
The Black Siskin (Spinus atratus) is a captivating, small passerine finch endemic to the high Andes, celebrated for the male's strikingly glossy black plumage. Males boast vibrant yellow primary patches on their wings and bright yellow undertail coverts, creating a stark contrast against their dark bodies. Measuring approximately 12-13.5 cm (4.7-5.3 inches) in length with a wingspan of 20-22 cm (7.9-8.7 inches) and weighing 12-17 grams, it is a compact and agile bird. Females are noticeably d...
This high-altitude specialist primarily inhabits the puna grasslands, open shrubby areas, rocky slopes, and semi-arid valleys of the Andean mountain range, typically found between 3,000 and 4,500 meters (10,000-14,800 feet) above sea level.
Their diet consists predominantly of small seeds, particularly from Asteraceae (composites like thistles and sunflowers) and Poaceae (grasses), supplemented with a small amount of insects, which are often gleaned from vegetation.
Black Siskins are diurnal and highly active, spending their days foraging in small to large, cohesive flocks, especially outside the breeding season, before roosting communally in dense scrub or rocky crevices. Their foraging strategy is acrobatic, as they cling to seedheads, often upside down, e...
The Black Siskin's geographical distribution is confined to the high-altitude Andean regions of South America, spanning from southern Peru through Bolivia, northern Chile, and extending into northwestern Argentina. This species is largely resident throughout its range, exhibiting primarily altitu...
Least Concern
- Black Siskins are renowned for their acrobatic feeding style, often hanging upside down from seed heads to extract their meal. - The male's glossy black plumage contrasting with brilliant yellow wing patches makes it one of the most striking siskins in the world. - They are true high-altitude s...