Plain-tailed Warbling-finch

Plain-tailed Warbling-finch Poospiza alticola restricted to the high Andes of north-west Peru (Cajamarca to Ancash), this species inhabits shrubby forest and mixed Polylepis-Gynoxys woodland at 2,900-4,600 m. It seems to favor ravines, but it is scarce even in optimum habitat. High-altitude woodlands are now highly fragmented and further habitat loss and degradation are predicted. The main causes are cutting for firewood and a lack of regeneration due to burning and overgrazing. Other threats include the change from camelid to sheep and cattle farming, erosion and soil degradation caused by agricultural intensification, road construction, and afforestation with exotic tree species. Although it occurs in Huascarán National Park (Ancash), habitat degradation continues. The estimated population is around 500 to 1600 birds.