White-bridled Finch Melanodera melanodera Scientific name definitions

There are two species in the genus Melanodera, and both are striking looking finches and relatively rare making them highly desirable finds for the birder. The current name of this species is nicely symmetrical with its relative the Yellow-bridled Finch (M. xanthogramma). It highlights that its black mask and black throat are bordered by white, the white bridle. Until recently this finch has been known as the Black-throated Finch and the Canary-winged Finch. The latter name is a good one, as the mainland population has nearly entirely yellow wings and is an absolute show-stopper when it flies up from the cold, windy grassy Patagonian steppe. The mainland population, princetoniana, shows these yellow wings while the nominate is restricted to the Falkland Islands and it has only limited yellow fringes to the wings. This uncommon and gorgeous looking finch needs old growth grassland and much of its former habitat has been seriously degraded by overgrazing by sheep. More work is needed to understand the specific habitat needs of the species. In the Falklands the population appears to be stable.

Editor's Note: This article requires further editing work to merge existing content into the appropriate Subspecies sections. Please bear with us while this update takes place.

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.