Andean Siskin - Ecology

Ecology

This species is common to locally common. It occurs in subtropical and paramo zones of the northern Andes. The Andean Siskins is usually found between elevations of 1,800 and 3,700 m (5,900 and 12,100 ft), though occasionally ranges as low as 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in Colombia. It inhabits scrub or low bushes in open cloud or elfin forests or along the edges of forests. It may also be seen on open hillsides with scattered trees or bushes and occasionally range to edges of cultivation. Usually, the Andean Siskin is found in pairs or small flocks of up to 20, occasionally mixed with other species of finch, such as Hooded Siskin in northern Ecuador. It often perches high in tops of trees, but generally feeds on or near the ground. This species feeds on a variety of plant seeds, with a particular fondness for Espeletia seeds and flowers.