The olive finch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. Until recently, it was placed in the genus Lysurus.
Region
Central America and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica and western Panama south through western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. It inhabits humid foothill and lower montane forest, especially along shaded ravines and streams. The species keeps to dense understory and thickets, often near water with abundant leaf litter. It is patchily distributed but can be locally fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
200–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory sparrow of humid forests, the olive finch is most often found along dark, mossy streambanks where it forages quietly in pairs. It was formerly placed in the genus Lysurus but is now treated within Arremon in the family Passerellidae. Its rich, whistled song often betrays its presence before the bird is seen.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping close to cover near streams. Nests are placed low, often near water, and both parents participate in care. Territorial during breeding but may join mixed-species understory flocks outside of nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet whistles delivered from low, concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes, often given while foraging along stream edges.
Plumage
Overall olive-green body with a contrasting chestnut crown, blackish face and lores, and a clean whitish throat bordered by darker malar lines. The underparts are olive to yellow-olive with little streaking.
Diet
Primarily feeds on arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. Will probe mossy logs and flip leaves along shaded streambanks. Occasionally takes small seeds or berries, especially when insect prey is less available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground or just above it in dense, humid understory along forested streams and ravines. Prefers deep shade with abundant leaf litter and fallen branches for cover.
