Charitospiza eucosma
The Coal-crested Finch, *Charitospiza eucosma*, is a captivating, small South American passerine, distinctive for its striking appearance and monotypic genus. Males boast a prominent, erectile coal-black crest, slate-grey upperparts, contrasting whitish underparts, and a bright yellow patch on the flanks, making it unmistakable among its dry scrubland habitat. Measuring around 11.5 cm in length and weighing 11-13 grams, its dark bill and pinkish-grey legs complete its elegant profile. Females...
Found primarily in dry, open savanna (Cerrado), caatinga, and campo sujo habitats, often preferring areas with rocky outcrops and arid scrubland, typically at elevations between 600 and 1100 meters.
Feeds primarily on small seeds from various grasses and herbaceous plants, supplemented with small invertebrates such as ants and termites, especially during the breeding season. Foraging is predominantly conducted by gleaning from the ground.
This diurnal species is often observed singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks during the non-breeding season. It primarily forages on the ground, meticulously gleaning seeds from grasses and other herbaceous plants, moving methodically thro...
The Coal-crested Finch is an endemic species to Brazil, found predominantly in the interior states, particularly Minas Gerais, Bahia, Piauí, Ceará, Goiás, and Tocantins. Its distribution is highly fragmented and patchy, closely tied to remaining areas of dry savanna (Cerrado) and caatinga shrubla...
Vulnerable
- Its scientific name, *eucosma*, is derived from Greek, meaning 'well-adorned' or 'elegant', a fitting description for this striking bird. - The Coal-crested Finch is the sole member of its genus, *Charitospiza*, signifying its unique evolutionary lineage and making it a monotypic species. - Des...