The oleaginous hemispingus is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the northern and central Andes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. It favors humid montane forests, cloud forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, often with dense bamboo (Chusquea). Birds regularly forage in the understory to midstory and will use heavily degraded former forest. It is a common participant in mixed-species foraging flocks in these habitats.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Its common name, “oleaginous,” refers to the oily olive coloration that makes it look rather plain at first glance. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, where it gleans insects and small fruits in the midstory and bamboo understory. The species tolerates forest edges and degraded habitats better than many Andean montane birds.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and commonly associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory and midstory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Likely monogamous during the breeding season with both parents contributing to care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin chips and high, buzzy phrases interspersed with short trills. The song is modest and easily overlooked amid louder Andean forest species.
Plumage
Overall plain olive to yellow-olive with slightly yellower underparts; lacks wingbars and strong patterning. Subtle dusky mask and a faintly paler throat may be visible at close range.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods by gleaning from leaves, moss, and twigs. Also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Frequently forages within mixed flocks, benefiting from collective vigilance and stirring of prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in humid montane forest understory to midstory, especially in dense bamboo thickets and along edges and gaps. Readily uses secondary growth and regenerating forest where fruiting shrubs are common.
