Black-capped Hemispingus

Overview

The black-capped hemispingus (Kleinothraupis atropileus) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is an Andean inhabitant found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Identification

• Average length of 15–16 cm and weight between 18–26 g.
• Olive-brown upperparts and olive to olive-yellow underparts, with an ochreous-yellow throat.
• Pure black sides and top of the head featuring a buff-and-white supercilium that extends to the back of the neck.
• Distinguished from the orange-browed hemispingus by white supercilia and broader ear-coverts.

Habitat

Found in the Andes mountains of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Peru. It inhabits moist montane and dwarf forests with large amounts of Chusquea bamboo at elevations of 1,800–3,600 m.

Did you know?

The specific epithet is derived from Latin words meaning 'black skullcap'. A historical error by Frédéric de Lafresnaye initially misidentified the type locality as Bolivia before it was corrected to Bogotá, Colombia.