Fulvous-headed Brushfinch

Overview

The fulvous-headed brushfinch (Atlapetes fulviceps) is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is found in Argentina and Bolivia and is currently assessed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adults measure about 17 cm in length and have a mostly cinnamon head with a yellow patch above the lores, a yellow moustache, and a yellow chin and throat.
• Upperparts are green, with a slate-gray tail edged in green and slate-gray wings featuring greenish upperwing coverts.
• An olive band crosses the breast, continuing along the flanks and crissum, above a yellow belly.
• The bird has a medium brown iris, a black bill, and brownish legs, with males and females sharing the same plumage.

Habitat

Found on the eastern slope of the Andes from La Paz Department in northwestern Bolivia south into Jujuy and Salta provinces in far northern Argentina. It inhabits semi-open landscapes including the edges of Yungas and Polylepis forest, secondary forest, and the undergrowth of woodlands, especially those dominated by alder (Alnus). Elevation ranges mostly from 1,500 to 3,600 m, though it may descend to about 400 m in winter.

Diet

The fulvous-headed brushfinch feeds on insects, seeds, and smaller amounts of fruits. It forages on the ground or up to about 3 m above it in vegetation, occasionally catching insects in mid-air with a sally. It is typically seen singly or in pairs.

Did you know?

While generally a year-round resident, some movement to lower elevations in winter has been noted. Its breeding season includes January, but nothing else is known about its breeding biology.