The bay-chested warbling finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to southeastern Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highland belt of the Atlantic Forest, particularly along ridges and slopes with dense shrub layers. It uses forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and shrubby clearings, and may move through adjacent montane grasslands with scattered bushes. The species tolerates some habitat degradation and regenerating forest. It is most frequently encountered in patchy, edge-rich mosaics rather than deep interior forest.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small tanager is named for its rich bay-colored chest band, which contrasts with its gray and white plumage. It favors shrubby montane edges and secondary growth within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest highlands and often joins mixed-species flocks. Its clear, musical warble carries through forest edges, especially at dawn.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory and edge. Builds a small cup nest low to mid-height in dense shrubs. Breeding occurs in the austral spring to early summer, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, musical warble composed of bright, mellow notes delivered in short series. Calls include soft chips and thin tseets used to keep contact within pairs and flocks.
Plumage
Neat, compact warbling finch with smooth gray upperparts and a contrasting bay-rufous chest band over whitish underparts. Wings are dusky with pale edging and subtle wing bars; tail is dark with clean edges.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds, berries, and a variety of arthropods such as beetles and caterpillars. Gleans from foliage and twigs and occasionally drops to the ground to pick seeds. Diet composition can shift seasonally, with more fruits and insects in wetter months.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in secondary scrub, bamboo stands, and shrubby clearings. Often works through the midstory and lower canopy, moving methodically with mixed flocks.
