The orange-browed hemispingus is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae found in Bolivia and far eastern Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the east slope of the central Andes of far southeastern Peru and Bolivia, primarily in humid montane (Yungas) forests. It favors mossy cloud forests, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth with dense understorey. Birds are frequently encountered in bamboo (Chusquea) thickets and elfin forest patches. Within its range it is locally common where intact habitat persists, but can be patchy due to elevation and forest structure.
Altitude Range
1800–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tanager, the orange-browed hemispingus is readily identified by its bright orange eyebrow contrasting with a darker facial mask. It often joins mixed-species flocks in cloud forests, where it actively gleans insects from mossy branches and foliage. The species was formerly placed in the genus Hemispingus and is now treated in Kleinothraupis.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Forages by gleaning and sallying short distances among mossy branches and bamboo stems. Nests are presumed cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation; breeding likely occurs in the austral spring and early summer.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include thin, high-pitched chips and short, hurried trills delivered from midstory perches. The song is modest and can be easily overlooked amid flock activity, but contact calls keep pairs coordinated while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grayish head and a dark mask-like face; underparts yellow-olive to yellowish with cleaner throat. The standout feature is a bright orange supercilium that extends from the lores above the eye. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging; overall appearance is soft-textured with minimal wingbars.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves and moss. Supplements its diet with small berries and other soft fruits when available. In mixed flocks it often exploits disturbed prey flushed by larger species. Seasonal fruiting in Andean forests can influence the proportion of animal vs. plant matter in the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in humid montane forest midstory and edges, especially in moss-laden branches and bamboo thickets. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest trails and clearings where insects are more exposed.
