Yellow-breasted Greenfinch

The Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, known scientifically as Chloris spinoides, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the Fringillidae family. This avian species is adorned with a brown conical bill and boasts bright yellow wing bars. Its underparts shimmer with a vivid yellow hue, making it a sight to behold in its natural environment.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify this bird, look for its distinctive bright yellow wing bars and underparts. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, though the female's colors are somewhat subdued compared to the male's. The bird's size ranges from 12 to 14 cm in length, and it weighs between 15 and 21 grams.

Habitat

The Yellow-breasted Greenfinch thrives in temperate forests and shrubland, where it can be found flitting among the foliage.

Distribution

This species is native to the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its range extends across Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam, primarily inhabiting the mid-altitudes of the Himalayas.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Yellow-breasted Greenfinch as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.

Taxonomy

First described by Irish zoologist Nicholas Aylward Vigors in 1831, the Yellow-breasted Greenfinch was initially named Carduelis spinoides. However, molecular studies have since placed it in the genus Chloris, a nod to its kinship with other greenfinches rather than the genus Carduelis. The species name is derived from the resemblance to the Eurasian siskin, with the suffix -oides indicating its likeness.

Subspecies

Two subspecies of the Yellow-breasted Greenfinch are recognized: the Himalayan Yellow-breasted Greenfinch (C. s. spinoides) and the Indian Yellow-breasted Greenfinch (C. s. heinrichi), each occupying different geographical areas within the species' range.