The Pirre chlorospingus or Pirre bush tanager is a species of bird traditionally placed in the family Thraupidae, but now viewed closer to Arremonops in the Passerellidae. It is endemic to Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Darién Mountains
Typical Environment
This bird inhabits humid montane and cloud forests on and around Cerro Pirre in eastern Panama. It favors dense, moss-laden understory and midstory strata, including thickets of bamboo and areas rich in epiphytes. It uses forest edges and ridgelines but remains closely tied to mature forest cover. The species commonly associates with mixed flocks, moving methodically through foliage to glean insects and small fruits.
Altitude Range
900–1550 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Pirre bush tanager, this species has been shifted from the tanagers (Thraupidae) to the sparrow family (Passerellidae) based on genetic data. It is confined to the highlands around Cerro Pirre in eastern Panama and often joins mixed-species flocks in mossy cloud forests. Its remote, steep habitat makes it seldom seen by birders, but it can be detected by its thin, sibilant calls.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks with tanagers, warblers, and furnariids. Nests are presumed to be cup-shaped and placed low to mid-height in dense vegetation, as in related species. Likely monogamous with biparental care during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched chips and short twitters that can be easily overlooked amid flock activity. Song consists of soft, sibilant phrases delivered from midstory perches, with brief trills or buzzy notes.
Plumage
Plain olive-green upperparts with dull yellow-olive underparts and a slightly grayer head. The face is relatively unmarked for a chlorospingus, with only a faint, broken eye-ring and dusky lores. Wings and tail are olive with minimal contrast; underparts may show a subtle grayish wash on the throat and breast.
Diet
Feeds on small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, gleaned from leaves, moss, and epiphytes. Also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Will occasionally take seeds or flower parts while moving with mixed flocks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to midstory of mature cloud forest, along shaded trails, and on mossy ridgelines. Frequently searches bromeliads and vine tangles and follows mixed-species flocks through dense cover.
