Finch Species Discovered in Threatened Habitat

Researchers have discovered a new species of finch whose pristine habitat in eastern Venezuela is threatened by a hydroelectric dam project. Only three of the birds were found by Miguel Lentino and Robin Restall, researchers for Audubon Venezuela, a partner of Britain-based Birdlife International.

The small, blue-flecked finch was named the Carrizal Seedeater, or Amaurospina carrizalensis, after the tiny islet in the Caura River where it was found. The bird has a larger bill and different plumage than other finch species. The male is a dull gray with some blue feathers, while the female is various shades of brown.