Poupava

Poupava, also known by its scientific name Fringilla montifringilla, is a passerine bird belonging to the finch family. It is native to the boreal forests of Europe and Asia, where it breeds in coniferous and mixed woodlands. Poupavas are migratory birds, traveling south during the winter months to warmer regions.

The male poupava is a striking bird, particularly during the breeding season. It features a black head, throat, and upperparts, contrasted by a chestnut-colored breast and flanks. Its wings are adorned with a distinctive white wing bar and white rump, which are also visible in flight. The female poupava is more subdued in appearance, with olive-brown upperparts and streaked underparts, though she shares the white wing bar and rump. Juveniles resemble the adult female.

Poupavas primarily feed on seeds, buds, and insects. During the breeding season, insects form a significant part of their diet, providing essential protein for their young. In autumn and winter, their diet shifts towards seeds and grains. They are often seen foraging on the ground or in low vegetation.

The song of the poupava is a varied and often loud series of chirps and trills, characterized by a buzzing quality. They build cup-shaped nests in trees, typically constructed from grass, moss, and lined with feathers. The female lays a clutch of typically five to seven eggs, which are pale blue or greenish with reddish-brown speckles. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.