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Overview
Fulvous-headed brushfinch

Fulvous-headed brushfinch

Wikipedia

The fulvous-headed brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae.

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Distribution

Region

Andes Mountains

Typical Environment

Occurs in the humid montane forests (Yungas) of Bolivia and adjacent northwestern Argentina. Prefers dense understory along forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets where it can forage close to the ground. Often occupies shrubby ravines and streamside tangles. It is a year-round resident within suitable habitat and shows limited local movements following food availability.

Altitude Range

1200–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm
Wing Span22–25 cm
Male Weight0.033 kg
Female Weight0.032 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A skulking brushfinch of the Andean Yungas, it is most often detected by its mellow, whistled song before being seen in dense understory. The warm fulvous (tawny) head is a distinctive field mark that contrasts with its darker, olive-gray body. It forages low, often in pairs or small family groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. The species is non-migratory and remains in humid montane forest year-round.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family groups within dense vegetation. Territorial during breeding, nesting low in shrubs or tangles. Outside of breeding, it may accompany mixed-species flocks along forest edges and understory.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a mellow, whistled series of clear phrases delivered from low perches within cover. Calls include thin, sharp chips and soft contact notes used to keep in touch while foraging.

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