A 13–14 cm siskin with an intense, very uniform yellow plumage—the brightest among high-Andean siskins. The male is entirely golden yellow, with a slight olive tint on the back and an even brighter rump. The wings are blackish but broadly edged with yellow, giving it an almost completely yellow appearance in flight. The bill is short, deep, noticeably thick and dark, a very distinctive trait. The female is duller, with olive tones on the crown and mantle, but retains a light yellow belly and rump. Juveniles are olive-brown and streaked above, gradually becoming yellowish. It is easily distinguished from the Olivaceous Siskin (S. olivascens) by its much brighter and more uniform coloration: the Olivaceous has a mottled or streaked back and greenish breast, whereas the Puna Siskin is pure yellow and unmarked, with a thicker and darker bill.
Geographic distribution: General distribution across the high plateau of southeastern Peru, western Bolivia, extreme northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. Present in the Puna mainly in Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca between 3500–4500 m.
Habitat: Occupies dry grasslands, open shrub plains, low wetlands (vegas), and ravines of the Puna. Avoids human settlements almost entirely, unlike other siskins.
Behavior: Usually moves in family groups or small flocks. Shy in behavior, feeding almost exclusively on the ground. Rests and perches in caves, earthen banks, or natural cavities, and rarely mixes with other siskins. Its song is lively, composed of trills and musical couplets, slower and more orderly than that of other high-Andean siskins. Calls are short and high-pitched.
Diet: Mainly seeds, consumed on the ground in small groups.
Reproduction: Nests in earthen banks and natural cavities, also in old nests or woodpecker holes. The cup is built with fine grasses. Lays 3 to 4 white eggs.
Conservation status: Not considered threatened. Locally uncommon to common in typical Puna habitats.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025