The brown-capped whitestart or brown-capped redstart is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It is found in humid Andean forests and woodlands in Bolivia and north-western Argentina. It sometimes includes the tepui whitestart as a subspecies.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests, especially the Yungas of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. Prefers cloud forest edges, second growth, and riparian corridors where light gaps aid its flush-foraging style. Common along forested slopes and ravines, it forages from the understory to midstory. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and often follows trail edges and streams.
Altitude Range
1000–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the brown-capped redstart, this lively warbler is famed for constantly fanning and flashing its white tail to flush insects from foliage. It often joins mixed-species flocks in Andean cloud forests. The name “whitestart” refers to the conspicuous white in the tail, which it uses in its foraging displays.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent fluttering and tail-fanning
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Holds small territories during the breeding season and nests low, often near banks or among dense roots and vegetation. Both adults participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, high-pitched series of tinkling trills and chips. Calls include sharp, thin notes used to keep contact while moving through dense foliage.
Plumage
Small whitestart with a warm brown crown, grayish upperparts, and bright yellow underparts. Wings are dusky with pale edging, and the tail shows striking white outer feathers that flash in flight and while foraging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Often uses tail-fanning and wing-flashing to startle prey into movement. Occasionally sallies out to catch flying insects and may take small berries when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, streamside thickets, and light gaps within humid montane forest. Common in the understory to midstory, especially where visibility helps its flush-foraging behavior.
