The ochre-breasted brushfinch (Atlapetes semirufus) is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is endemic to the northern Andes, occurring in Colombia and Venezuela. In Colombia, it inhabits elevations of 1,600–3,500 meters, while in Venezuela it is found between 600–2,700 meters. The species is present in several national parks and is not currently considered to face immediate conservation threats. Although relatively common, its breeding biology and life history remain poorly understood, and the population is believed to be in decline.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth from northern Colombia into the Andes of western Venezuela. It favors thickets, bamboo (Chusquea) patches, and shrubby ravines, often near clearings and along forest borders. The species typically keeps to the understory and mid-story, moving through tangled vegetation and along slopes. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but depends on structurally dense cover.
Altitude Range
600–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This brushfinch is a skulking understory bird of Andean cloud forests, where it forages close to the ground in dense cover. It often joins mixed-species flocks and typically travels in pairs or small family groups. Despite being fairly common locally, many aspects of its breeding biology remain poorly documented.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation or thickets. Territorial during breeding, with quiet contact calls to maintain cohesion.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, sweet series of thin whistles and trills delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and thin tseet notes used to stay in contact within cover.
Plumage
Slate-gray head and upperparts with olive-brown tones on the back and wings; rich ochre to rufous-buff breast fading paler toward the belly. Throat often paler or whitish, giving a subtle contrast with the ochre breast. Feathers appear smooth and compact, aiding a neat, rounded appearance.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and mossy substrates. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally picks seeds and forages on or near the ground among leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory of cloud forests, bamboo tangles, and shrubby edges. Often works along forest borders, trails, and landslides where foliage is thick but accessible.
