Bird

Coal-crested Finch

Charitospiza eucosma

Coal-crested finches are striking open-country tanagers easily identified by their erectile jet-black crests and crisp silver-and-slate plumage. They are specialized inhabitants of the South American Cerrado, frequently drawn to recently burned grasslands where they forage on exposed seeds alongside small mixed flocks. Males often perch atop charred shrubs or termite mounds to deliver their thin, metallic songs across the open savanna.

CerradoGrasslandSongbird

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Near ThreatenedConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyGrass seeds, Termites, Small caterpillars

Predators

Aplomado Falcon
Burrowing Owl
Guira Cuckoo

ThreatsAgricultural conversion of Cerrado habitat, intensive cattle ranching, and altered fire regimes

HabitatsSavanna grasslands, shrubby Cerrado, and fire-maintained pastures

Life span5–8 years

Classification

FamilyThraupidae
SpeciesCharitospiza eucosma

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Look for a distinct pointed black crest, pearl-gray upperparts, and a pale cinnamon-washed belly in open savanna.
Support conservation: Observe from established roads or firebreaks to avoid trampling sensitive ground nests in native bunchgrasses.

Responsible observation

Observation Timing: Best observed in the early morning after seasonal burns when birds forage on exposed ground.
Viewing Etiquette: Maintain a generous distance with binoculars to avoid flushing small feeding groups from open grassy perches.
Habitat Clues: Scan termite mounds and low scattered bushes in native Cerrado where sentinels prefer to sing.

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