The chestnut-capped brushfinch is a Neotropical passerine bird in the New World sparrow family, Passerellidae.
Region
Mesoamerica and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Found from the highlands of Mexico south through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama, with additional disjunct populations in the northern Andes. It inhabits humid evergreen and cloud forests, densely vegetated ravines, and forest edges. The species favors thick understory near streams and landslides, and can persist in secondary growth where cover remains. It may utilize shade-grown coffee or overgrown clearings if sufficient shrub layer is present.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chestnut-capped brushfinch is a shy understory bird of humid montane forests, often heard before it is seen. Pairs frequently perform antiphonal duets, trading clear whistled notes back and forth. It forages on or near the ground, flicking leaves aside to uncover insects and seeds. Despite its secretive habits, it adapts to well-vegetated edges and shade coffee plantations.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups within dense cover. Pairs defend territories and often perform duets; both sexes participate in nesting and feeding young. The nest is a cup placed low in dense vegetation or on banks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, ringing whistles often delivered as antiphonal duets between pair members. Calls include sharp metallic chips and thin tseet notes given from concealed perches.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a gray breast and whitish throat, yellow-olive flanks, and a darker tail. A rich chestnut crown contrasts with a black mask and auriculars, separated from the crown by a bold white supercilium. Underparts are mostly gray with clean white on the throat and center of the belly.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, as well as seeds and small berries. It forages by hopping on the ground or low branches and flipping leaf litter to uncover prey. Seasonal fruit availability can influence the proportion of plant material in the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory of humid forests, along shaded ravines and forest edges. It also uses overgrown second growth and shade coffee plantations where leaf litter and cover are abundant.
