Cinereous Warbling-Finch

Microspingus cinereus

Despite its common name, this species is actually a member of the tanager family (Thraupidae) rather than the true finch family (Fringillidae).

Scientific name
Microspingus cinereus
Taxonomy
Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Thraupidae › Microspingus
IUCN Red List status
Near Threatened
Population trend
decreasing
Biome
grassland
Habitat
Cerrado savanna, scrubland, and gallery forest edges.
Diet
Granivorous and insectivorous; primarily seeds, small insects, and occasional seasonal berries.
Range
Central Brazil, Southeastern Brazil
Size
13-15 cm in length; approximately 18 grams
Lifespan
4-7 years
Active
diurnal
Threats
Habitat loss due to large-scale agriculture, cattle ranching, and occasional illegal trapping for the songbird trade.
Safe to approach?
Harmless and shy. Best observed with binoculars from a distance of 10-15 meters. Do not attempt to catch or lure with food; simply enjoy its complex vocalizations.

The cinereous warbling finch ( Microspingus cinereus ) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to Brazil. The term cinereous describes its colouration. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Photo: Ericson Cernawsky Igual, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist

Plain-text version: /species/490ff7a2-3ff9-4efb-ba91-7cb15889f81f.md