Grey-eared Brushfinch

Overview

The grey-eared brushfinch, also known as the black-faced brushfinch (Atlapetes melanolaemus), is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is a year-round resident found in the Andes of Peru and western Bolivia, where it is considered to be of Least Concern.

Identification

• Approximately 17 cm long with dull yellow underparts featuring dusky scaling on the breast and a dusky olive wash on the flanks.
• Bright rufous forehead, crown, and nape contrasting with a blackish face, chin, and throat.
• Blackish upperparts, wings, and tail with a slight olive wash on the rump, along with a black bill, dark reddish iris, and blackish legs.
• Song described as a pleasing, simple series of whistled phrases such as "twee-twee" or "chew-seelip", often followed by a high "ti" call.

Habitat

Inhabits humid montane forest and slopes with shrubs at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,300 m. Its range extends from eastern Cuzco Department and Puno Department in Peru into western Bolivia's La Paz Department.

Diet

The specific diet of the grey-eared brushfinch has not been studied, but it is known to forage on the ground or slightly above it within vegetation.

Did you know?

Its nest is an open cup constructed from coarse grass and bamboo leaves, lined with fine grass, and is typically hidden in vegetation on the ground or up to about 3 m above it.