The black-headed brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It lives in the undergrowth of humid forest, especially near edges, at altitudes of 300 to 1,200 metres in Colombia and Panama.
Region
Eastern Panama and Northwestern Colombia
Typical Environment
Occupies humid foothill forests and dense undergrowth, especially along forest edges, streamside thickets, and secondary growth. It keeps to shaded, tangled vegetation where it moves close to the ground. The species can be found in regenerating forest and scrub as long as understory structure remains. It is typically absent from open, heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
300–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy brushfinch is most often detected by its clear, whistled song from dense understory rather than seen in the open. It favors forest edges and thickets, where it forages close to the ground and may join mixed-species flocks. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and can persist in secondary growth with sufficient cover.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, stays low
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups within dense understory. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks moving through foothill forests. Nests are typically well-concealed cups placed low in shrubs or thickets. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet whistles delivered from cover, often with a mellow, descending cadence. Calls include thin tsip notes and soft chips used for contact within pairs. It often sings at dawn and after light rain.
Plumage
Compact brushfinch with a solid black head contrasting with olive-green upperparts and yellowish to buff underparts; feathers appear smooth and unspotted. The throat shows a small pale area or narrow malar contrast against the black hood, and the wings may show subtle rufous edging.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of small insects and other arthropods, along with seeds, berries, and small fruits. Forages by hopping on or just above the ground, flicking leaves to uncover prey. Occasionally follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects. Will use fruiting shrubs along forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory of humid forests, along trails, edges, and streamside thickets. Also forages in secondary growth and overgrown clearings where cover is abundant.
