The Costa Rican brushfinch or grey-striped brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It lives in the undergrowth of humid forest, especially near the edges, at altitudes of 300 to 1,200 metres in Panama and Costa Rica.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the undergrowth of humid foothill and lower montane forests in Costa Rica and western Panama. Favors forest edges, secondary growth, thickets, and streamside ravines with dense cover. Often associated with tangles of vines, bamboo, or Heliconia where it forages near the ground. It tolerates some disturbance and may persist in well-vegetated edges near agriculture, provided dense understory remains.
Altitude Range
300–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This skulking brushfinch keeps to dense understory, often giving itself away by sharp chip notes before stepping into view. It was formerly lumped within the Gray-striped/Stripe-headed Brushfinch complex but is now widely recognized as a distinct species restricted to Costa Rica and western Panama. Pairs defend territories year-round and often stay near forest edges and thickets. Its clear, whistled song carries well through humid foothill forests.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups within dense understory, where they maintain year-round territories. Nests are placed low in thick vegetation, with both parents involved in caring for the young. They often accompany mixed-species flocks along edges but remain close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes and short phrases, delivered at a measured pace. Calls are sharp chips and thin seep notes, often given from within cover.
