Yellow-striped Brushfinch

Overview

The yellow-striped brushfinch (Atlapetes citrinellus) is a monotypic species of New World sparrow found exclusively in the Andes of northwestern Argentina. It is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Approximately 17 cm in length with a black bill and dark reddish iris.
• Features a wide yellow supercilium, white eye-ring, and bright yellow cheeks contrasting with a black chin.
• Upperparts are greenish with blackish wings and tail, while underparts are olive with a yellower belly.
• Song is described as a simple, explosive 'chip-pip’ chew-chew-chew' and its call as a 'tsip'.

Habitat

This species resides in the Yungas forest, alder-dominated woodland, and secondary forest, favouring the undergrowth and forest edges. Its range extends from Jujuy and Salta provinces south to Catamarca Province, spanning elevations between 700 and 3,100 m.

Diet

Primarily consuming invertebrates and various fruits year-round, the bird acts as an important disperser of fruit seeds. It typically forages in pairs or family groups, taking live prey on the ground or low in the vegetation, while obtaining fruit from the understory up to the canopy.

Did you know?

Despite the Yungas forest biome stretching well into Bolivia, the yellow-striped brushfinch does not continue its range throughout this ecosystem, a phenomenon for which no reason is currently known.