The ashy-throated chlorospingus or ashy-throated bush tanager, is a species of bird traditionally placed in the family Thraupidae, but perhaps closer to Arremonops in the Passerellidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Central America and northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica and Panama south through the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and into northern Peru. It inhabits humid evergreen forest, foothill and lower montane forest, and often uses forest edges and mature secondary growth. Birds commonly forage in the understory and lower canopy, including along streams and in mossy ravines. It tolerates some disturbance and can appear in shade coffee and adjacent hedgerows.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the ashy-throated bush tanager, this species often travels with mixed-species flocks in the forest understory and midstory. It was long placed with tanagers (Thraupidae) but molecular work suggests it is closer to New World sparrows (Passerellidae). It adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges, which helps it remain widespread.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks, moving in small groups through the understory and lower canopy. Breeding pairs build a cup nest concealed in dense vegetation; both parents typically feed the young. Territoriality increases during breeding, but outside the season they are loosely gregarious.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, sibilant series of high notes and short trills, delivered from mid-level perches within dense foliage. Calls include sharp chips and soft tsit notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a gray head and an ashy-gray throat contrasting with yellowish underparts. Distinct pale eye arcs form a spectacled look. Wings and tail are darker olive with subtle edging; underparts become more yellow toward the belly.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. Also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Will occasionally hover-glean and probe mossy substrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and lower midstory of humid forest, along edges, and in mature secondary growth. Frequently follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed foliage and flushed prey.
