Songs of Pintassilgo

Functions:

• Alarm
• Alarm clock
• Call sound

Calls:

• Classic
• Metallic
• Portuguese
• Female whistle
• Venezuela

Scientific Classification:

The scientific name derives from Greek elements: "spinos", referring to a bird mentioned by Aristophanes, Dionysius, Hesychius, and other ancient writers, and "magellanica", which links to the Strait of Magellan in Patagonia. Thus, the nomenclature translates to the "Bird of the Strait of Magellan."

Features:

This species measures approximately 11 inches in length and is well-known for its distinctive appearance, making it relatively easy to identify. The male is characterized by a black mask and striking yellow spots on its wings, providing a vivid display even during flight. In contrast, females present an olive head and underside, while juvenile males acquire black spots as they mature. During springtime, these birds can often be seen singing atop trees, antennas, poles, and roofs. In winter months, they congregate in large flocks, sometimes consisting of hundreds of individuals. Aside from their unique song, they are also adept at mimicking the calls of other birds.

Their vocalizations feature a refined chirp that is quite varied and delivered at a rapid pace, with extended phrases that often include imitations of other species. Notably, they also sing in flight.

Subspecies:

A total of 12 subspecies are currently recognized; some exhibit considerable similarity, making field identification challenging.

• Spinus magellanica alleni: Known as goldfinch-goianinho in São Paulo, this subspecies measures around 10 centimeters in length and exhibits a more pronounced yellow chest. It inhabits southern Piauí, Tocantins, Goiás, northern Mato Grosso, as well as parts of Bolivia and Paraguay.
• Spinus magellanica icterica: Commonly referred to as the Common Goldfinch or simply Goldfinch, this variant measures approximately 11.8 centimeters and features a completely black head and neck up to halfway down. It has dominant yellow-green hues throughout its body and ranges from southern Bahia through southeastern Brazil down to Rio Grande do Sul.
• Spinus magellanica magellanica: Found in Uruguay and Argentina stretching down to Patagonia, this subspecies resembles icterica but is notably larger and greener with a fully white cloaca.
• Spinus magellanica longirostris: Residing in Roraima, Venezuela, and the Guianas, this group is similar in size to alleni but features a more elongated beak with less vibrant yellow coloring.
• Spinus magellanica capitalis: This subspecies inhabits Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Males have distinct darkened areas on the upper chest and back.
• Spinus magellanica urubambensis: Common in Chile and Peru—most prevalent in Chile—this green subspecies is recognized for having the darkest black accents among its counterparts.
• Spinus magellanica boliviana: Located in central-southern Bolivia, males feature an expansive black mask that extends to the chest and abdomen.
• Spinus magellanica paula: Found along the Pacific Coast of Ecuador and Peru. This subspecies resembles the Peruvian variant but possesses a smaller build with a finer beak.
• Spinus magellanica peruana: Inhabiting central Peru, this variety is similar to paula but larger with greener upper parts and paler yellow tones on the rump.
• Spinus magellanica sanctaecrucis: Found in central and eastern Bolivia; it is slightly smaller than its Bolivian counterpart but displays distinctive olive green shades mixed with black features on the chin and back.
• Spinus magellanica tucumana: Ranging from Jujuy to Mendoza in Argentina as well as in the Sierra de Córdoba. It bears similarities to boliviana but is smaller with a hood that extends only to the chin while showcasing uniformly green upper parts with minimal dark markings.