The black-spectacled brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane forests and forest edges of the central to northern Peruvian Andes. Prefers dense shrubby understory, bamboo thickets, and second-growth bordering humid cloud forest. Often uses regenerating areas with tangles and hedgerows near forest margins. It keeps close to cover, moving through low strata and occasionally venturing into semi-open brush. Human-driven habitat alteration can create marginal habitats it uses, but extensive deforestation reduces overall suitability.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-spectacled brushfinch is a Peruvian endemic of high-Andean cloud forests and shrubby edges. It is named for its distinctive dark mask around the eyes that gives a ‘spectacled’ look. A shy understory skulker, it forages low in dense vegetation and is often detected by its clear, whistled notes. Habitat loss and fragmentation in montane forests are its primary threats.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, moving quietly through dense understory. Builds a cup-shaped nest low in shrubs or thickets; both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing. Frequently forages near cover and may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges during nonbreeding periods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles and short trills delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft tinkling phrases that can carry through dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-olive-green upperparts with a contrasting grayish head and bright yellow underparts. A bold dark facial mask around the eyes creates a ‘spectacled’ appearance. Throat and breast are yellow, blending to olive-washed flanks; wings and tail are dusky with olive edging.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and stems, supplemented with seeds and small berries. Will pick prey from low vegetation and occasionally from the ground. Opportunistic feeding on seasonally available fruits is common in edge and second-growth habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense shrub layers, bamboo patches, and vegetated edges of humid montane forest. Frequently uses regenerating areas, hedgerows, and thickets near forest margins where cover is abundant.
