The rufous-browed peppershrike is a passerine bird in the vireo family. It is widespread and often common in woodland, forest edge, and cultivation with some tall trees from Mexico and Trinidad south to Argentina and Uruguay.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mexico through Central America and much of South America to northern Argentina and Uruguay, and on Trinidad. It favors woodland, forest edge, second growth, gallery forests, and semi-open areas with scattered tall trees. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes such as shade coffee and orchards where canopy structure persists. Often keeps to the mid- and upper levels but will move lower at edges and along riparian corridors.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is a relentless singer, delivering a rolling series of clear, whistled phrases from the mid- to upper canopy, often revealing its presence before it is seen. Despite the name, it is a vireo with a notably stout, slightly hooked bill that gives a shrike-like look. It thrives in forest edges and second growth and readily occupies shaded plantations and gardens with tall trees.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories in the canopy and edges. Builds a deep, cup-shaped nest suspended in a fork of slender branches. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and defend nest sites vigorously.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A persistent, loud series of clear, whistled phrases and short motifs, often repeated with slight variations. Calls include sharp chips and whistles that carry well through foliage, making the bird easier to hear than see.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a gray head and nape, contrasting rufous supercilium, and yellow to yellowish-white underparts. Wings and tail are dusky-olive; throat is paler. Feathers are smooth with minimal streaking, giving a clean, blocky-headed look.
Diet
Primarily gleans insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders from leaves and twigs. Also takes small snails and occasionally probes curled leaves for hidden prey. Supplements diet with berries and small fruits, especially outside peak insect abundance. Forages methodically, often pausing to scan before quick hops to the next perch.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of forest edges, second growth, and semi-open woodlands. Readily uses shade plantations, large gardens, and riparian corridors where continuous foliage is available.
