Glacier finch: The tiny bird that builds nests on ice above 4,000 metres; know the survival strategy, diet and threats

The Glacier Finch, also known as the White-winged Diuca Finch, is one of nature’s most extraordinary birds, fascinating ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Native to the Andes mountains of South America, this tiny bird survives at altitudes exceeding 4,000 metres, where oxygen is scarce and temperatures plunge well below freezing. What sets it apart is its remarkable nesting behaviour: it builds its nests directly on glaciers, braving icy surfaces and relentless cold to incubate eggs and raise chicks. Scientists believe this unusual strategy may provide protection from predators and aid thermoregulation. The Glacier Finch exemplifies high-altitude adaptation, demonstrating how life can persist and thrive in some of the planet’s harshest and most unforgiving environments. Th