Taczanowski's brushfinch

Taczanowski's brushfinch is a species of passerine bird in the New World sparrow family Passerellidae. It is found in montane forest and woodland of central Peru. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the slaty brushfinch.

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Distribution

Region

Central Peruvian Andes

Typical Environment

Occupies humid montane forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth in central Peru. Favors thickets and bamboo (Chusquea) within cloud forest and elfin forest zones. Commonly forages in the lower to mid understory near the ground, using cover to move between shrubs. Occurs locally but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists. Often associates with mixed flocks along trails and natural openings.

Altitude Range

2400–3600 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size17–19 cm

Wing Span24–27 cm

Male Weight0.033 kg

Female Weight0.031 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Named after the Polish ornithologist Władysław Taczanowski, this brushfinch was long treated as a subspecies of the Slaty Brushfinch before being recognized as distinct. It skulks in dense Andean understory, especially bamboo thickets, and often joins mixed-species flocks. Its preference for thick cover makes it more often heard than seen. By gleaning insects, it helps control forest arthropod populations.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

skulking and discreet

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found singly, in pairs, or family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation, typical of Atlapetes. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding and communicate with soft contact calls.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of clear, whistled phrases interspersed with short trills, delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp tik or tsip notes used to maintain contact in dense foliage.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

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Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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