The black-headed hemispingus is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along humid montane forests and forest edges of the central Andean slopes, especially in areas with dense understory and bamboo thickets. It favors cloud forest, elfin forest, and secondary growth with tangled vegetation. Birds are most often seen moving through midlevel foliage and along edges rather than deep in the canopy. It is a local resident throughout suitable habitat, with patchy occurrence tied to moisture and understory structure.
Altitude Range
2000–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-headed hemispingus is a small Andean tanager often found in bustling mixed-species flocks, where it forages actively in the midstory. It frequently associates with dense stands of Chusquea bamboo along humid montane slopes. Formerly placed in the genus Hemispingus, it is now often treated in Poospiza based on genetic studies. Its sharp, high-pitched calls help flocks keep contact in thick cloud-forest vegetation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, moving quickly through midstory and edges. Pairs or small family groups are common during the breeding season, and nests are usually concealed in dense shrubbery or bamboo. Territoriality is modest, with most defense focused around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, tinkling series of high notes and short trills delivered from concealed perches. Calls are sharp, high chips used to maintain contact in flocks and when moving through dense foliage.
Plumage
Contrasting dark head with cleaner, brighter underparts and more olive upperparts; subtle wingbars may be present. The body plumage is smooth and fairly uniform with slight mottling where the dark head meets the throat and breast.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small berries and soft fruits when available, especially during non-breeding periods. Occasional probing into moss and bamboo sheaths helps it find hidden prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in midstory tangles, along forest edges, and within bamboo thickets in humid montane zones. Often moves with mixed-species flocks, exploiting disturbed edges and secondary growth as well as mature cloud forest.
