The tricolored brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is found in the Andes of central Peru and Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andes of Ecuador and into central Peru, primarily in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests. It favors dense understory, especially in cloud forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo (Chusquea) thickets. The species often uses shrubby clearings and regenerating habitats near forest borders. It is typically local but can be fairly common where suitable cover persists.
Altitude Range
1500–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking understory bird of Andean cloud forests, the tricolored brushfinch is often detected by its sharp chip notes before it is seen. It forages in pairs or small family groups and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. This species readily uses forest edges and Chusquea bamboo, helping control insects and disperse small seeds.
Temperament
secretive and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups within dense understory. It may accompany mixed-species flocks along forest edges and in bamboo. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or thickets; pairs maintain small territories during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a sweet, somewhat hurried series of clear whistles and short phrases delivered from inside cover. Calls include sharp chips and thin tseet notes used to keep contact in dense vegetation.
