The white-browed hemispingus is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests, especially along forest edges, secondary growth, and dense bamboo (Chusquea) stands. It favors the understory to midstory where it forages among foliage and vine tangles. The species is most typical of cloud forest habitats with frequent mist and moss-laden branches. It can persist in partially disturbed habitats so long as dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
1600–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Andean tanager is easily recognized by its crisp white eyebrow that contrasts with a dusky mask. It often travels in mixed-species flocks through cloud-forest edges and bamboo thickets, where it actively gleans insects. The species shows a strong association with Chusquea bamboo. Its bold supercilium is a key field mark in the dim understory light.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks with other tanagers and furnariids. Typically forages in pairs or small groups during the breeding season and remains territorial around nest sites. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation, often in bamboo thickets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched chips and short trills delivered from low to mid-level perches. Calls are sharp and contact-oriented, keeping flocks together in dense cover.
Plumage
Olive- to yellow-olive upperparts with a grayish head, a strong white supercilium, and dusky ear coverts forming a mask. Underparts are yellowish to olive-yellow with cleaner tones on the throat and belly. Wings and tail are darker olive with subtle edging; wing bars are faint or absent.
Diet
Takes a variety of small arthropods including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Will sally short distances to snatch prey and probe among bamboo leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the understory and midstory of humid cloud forests and along shrubby edges. Dense bamboo and vine tangles are favored foraging substrates.
