The slaty brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is found in humid Andean forests from western Venezuela, through Colombia, to Ecuador. Taczanowski's brushfinch of central Peru was formerly treated as a subspecies. Furthermore, the Cuzco brushfinch from south-eastern Peru is sometimes considered a subspecies of the slaty brush finch.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from western Venezuela through Colombia to Ecuador in humid montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It favors dense, tangled understory, especially Chusquea bamboo thickets, and often stays close to the ground. The species uses forest gaps and edges created by natural disturbances and can persist in selectively logged areas if understory cover remains. It is typically absent from dry or heavily fragmented open habitats.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking brushfinch of humid Andean cloud forests, it keeps to dense understory and bamboo tangles where it forages close to the ground. Taczanowski's brushfinch (central Peru) was formerly treated as a subspecies, and the Cuzco brushfinch (southeastern Peru) is sometimes considered conspecific. It often travels in pairs or family groups and may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both parents participate in caring for young. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks along edges and in second growth.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sweet whistles and soft trills delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and tsip notes used to keep contact with mates in dense cover.
