The sooty-capped chlorospingus or sooty-capped bush tanager, is a small passerine bird traditionally placed in the family Thraupidae, but now viewed closer to Arremonops in the Passerellidae. This bird is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Region
Talamanca and Chiriquí Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and second-growth thickets, frequently where bamboo (Chusquea) is abundant. It uses dense understory and midstory layers, moving through tangles and along mossy limbs. Birds also forage along forest borders and in shaded plantations adjacent to native forest. It is largely tied to mature montane habitats with persistent moisture and epiphyte-laden vegetation.
Altitude Range
1200–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the sooty-capped bush tanager, this species was traditionally placed with tanagers but is now grouped with New World sparrows (Passerellidae). It is a common resident of high-elevation cloud forests in Costa Rica and western Panama and often joins mixed-species flocks. It forages actively in dense vegetation, especially bamboo thickets, where its sharp chips and contact calls help flocks stay together.
Sooty-capped chlorospingus in shrub at Volcán Poás National Park.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically travels in small groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory and midstory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation or on steep banks, with both parents involved in care. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding but range more widely while flocking at other times.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a quick, thin series of high, tinkling notes and short warbles. Calls are sharp chips and tseet notes used to keep contact within flocks.
