Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis Scientific name definitions

The Great Pampa-Finch is a common species of open country, and shrubby areas south of the Amazon and east of the Andes. It is a relatively large finch that appears to be better placed in the tanagers, the genus Embernagra is also closely allied to the grass-finches (Emberizoides spp.). All are grassland birds, although some more specialized than others. There is a separation of eastern and western populations of Great Pampa-Finches, with the western birds showing brighter bills with less black, a slightly different bill shape and differences in voice and plumage. The two have been suggested to comprise a species pair, but thus far they are retained under a single species. In the field the most obvious feature of this finch is the orange-yellow bill, the grey head and the grass-green back coloration. All in all it is a striking looking species, and a common species of the grasslands of the south.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Alvaro began birding as an 11 year old in Canada, and eventually trained in Evolutionary Ecology studying, creatures as varied as leaf-cutter ants and Argentine cowbirds. But his career has been focused on birding tourism, both as a guide and owner of his tour company, as well as a avitourism consultant to various organizations. He is the author of Birds of Chile, New World Blackbirds: The Icterids, as well as the ABA Field Guide to the birds of California. He lives in Half Moon Bay, California where he is known for his pelagic birding trips. Email: alvaro@alvarosadventures.com.