The grey-eared brushfinch or black-faced brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern Andean slopes of southern Peru to western Bolivia, primarily in humid Yungas forests. It inhabits subtropical to montane cloud forest, forest edges, and dense secondary growth, especially stands of Chusquea bamboo. The species keeps to the understory and midstory, using thickets for cover. It persists in somewhat disturbed habitats where enough shrub layer remains, but prefers continuous moist forest. Local abundance can be high where bamboo is extensive.
Altitude Range
1500–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the black-faced brushfinch, this Andean sparrow is noted for its striking dark face offset by gray ear-coverts. It favors dense montane forest undergrowth and often moves with mixed-species flocks. Its secretive habits make it more often heard than seen, especially in bamboo thickets.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Territorial during the breeding season and nests low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Pairs likely maintain year-round territories in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled phrases that may be delivered in brief bursts from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes, often given antiphonally by a pair.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish underparts and a contrasting dark face. Gray ear-coverts stand out within the black facial area; throat often dusky to blackish. Wings and tail are olive with subtle darker edging; underparts may show brighter yellow on the belly.
Diet
Takes a mix of small insects and other arthropods, supplemented by seeds, berries, and soft fruits. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and by hopping along the ground in dense cover. Will probe bamboo culms and leaf litter for hidden prey. Seasonal fruiting can increase the proportion of berries in the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in thick understory, bamboo thickets, and along forest edges and gaps where shrub density is high. Often forages in the lower to mid-levels, staying close to cover and following mixed flocks through suitable patches.
