The common chlorospingus, also referred to as common bush tanager, is a small passerine bird. It is a resident breeder in the highlands from central Mexico south to Bolivia and northwest Argentina. C. flavopectus in the loose sense is a notorious cryptic species complex, and several of the up to 25 subspecies recognized in recent times are likely to be distinct species. Some populations in fact appear to be more distinct than several other members of Chlorospingus.
Region
Mesoamerica and Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from highland Mexico through Central America to the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northwest Argentina. It favors humid montane evergreen and cloud forests, forest edges, and second-growth with dense understory. Birds often move through midstory to canopy layers, frequently along ridges and in bamboo or epiphyte-laden thickets. It adapts reasonably well to selectively logged or fragmented habitats so long as moisture and structure remain. Local upslope or downslope movements track food availability and weather.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the common bush tanager, this species is a hyper-social montane songbird that forages in mixed-species flocks. Despite its name, it is not a true tanager; genetics place it with New World sparrows. It forms a cryptic species complex with many subtly different regional forms. It thrives in humid cloud forests rich in epiphytes and bamboo.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in noisy, fast-moving flocks and readily joins mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs nest within territories embedded in flock home ranges, building a cup nest in dense vegetation. Both sexes attend the nest and feed the young. Monogamous pairing is typical during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, sibilant series of high, lisping phrases, often delivered from mid-canopy cover. Calls are sharp chips and soft tsee notes used to maintain flock contact. Vocalizations vary subtly across the complex.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a gray hooded head and yellow-tinged underparts; clean, white 'spectacles' surround the eye. The throat to upper breast is yellowish, with subtle olive streaking on sides and flanks in some forms. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging, giving a soft, matte look. Subspecies vary in brightness and contrast, especially in the face pattern and breast tone.
Diet
Gleans small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders from foliage and epiphytes. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially during seasonal peaks. Occasionally takes nectar or soft plant matter and will hawk tiny insects in short sallies. Diet composition shifts with availability, making it opportunistically omnivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forests, especially where mosses, bromeliads, and bamboo are abundant. Frequently follows mixed-species flocks along forest edges, gaps, and along ridgelines. Will use secondary forest and shady plantations if sufficient understory cover persists.
