Spinus uropygialis
The Yellow-rumped Siskin (*Spinus uropygialis*) is a striking small passerine, measuring approximately 11.5-13 cm (4.5-5.1 in) in length and weighing around 12-16 grams. Males are predominantly greenish-yellow with heavy black streaking across the back and flanks, contrasting black primaries, and a distinctive, brilliant yellow patch on the rump-its namesake field mark. Females are generally duller, presenting a more olive-green plumage with less pronounced streaking, though still exhibiting ...
Found primarily in high-altitude Andean scrub, open woodlands, clearings, and agricultural zones, typically between 2,000 and 4,000 meters (6,500-13,000 ft) elevation.
Mainly granivorous, feeding on small seeds from various herbaceous plants, especially *Asteraceae* and other composites; insects are consumed in smaller quantities, particularly to feed nestlings.
Yellow-rumped Siskins are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging for seeds. Their foraging strategy involves agile gleaning from seed heads of various plants, often hanging upside down to access difficult seeds, and occasionally searching on the ground. Outside the breeding season, they a...
The Yellow-rumped Siskin is endemic to the Andes Mountains of South America, with its primary distribution stretching from southern Peru through Bolivia and Chile, and into western Argentina. Its breeding range is concentrated at higher elevations, typically between 2,000 and 4,000 meters (6,500-...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-rumped Siskin's scientific name, *uropygialis*, directly refers to its distinctive yellow rump, derived from the Greek 'ouropygion' meaning rump. - It is one of the highest-dwelling finches, regularly found at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) in the Andes. - Outside th...