The white-naped brushfinch, also known as the yellow-throated brush finch, is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombia to northwestern Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests, forest edges, and dense shrubby thickets, especially along ravines and streamside vegetation. It favors tangled understory and bamboo patches where it forages close to the ground. The species tolerates disturbed habitats, including secondary forest and overgrown clearings, provided adequate cover remains.
Altitude Range
900–2700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy brushfinch keeps to dense undergrowth and is often detected by its sharp chip notes before it is seen. Some authorities have treated “yellow-throated brush finch” forms as part of this species complex or as a close relative. It readily uses secondary growth and forest edges, which helps it persist where primary forest has been fragmented.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving through dense understory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in thick vegetation. Both parents are believed to share incubation and feeding duties, and fledglings may accompany adults for some time.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled phrases and thin trills, delivered from concealed perches. Calls are sharp chip or tseet notes used to keep contact while moving through cover.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with a contrasting pale nape patch, grayish head, and a brighter throat. Underparts are gray to olive-gray with cleaner tones on the breast and belly. Wings and tail are darker with subtle edging.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and leaf litter. Also consumes seeds, berries, and small fruits, especially when in season. Will occasionally join mixed-species flocks at forest edges but often forages independently or in pairs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds near the ground in dense shrubs, bamboo, and thickets along forest margins and stream banks. Frequently searches among leaf litter and low tangles where cover is thick.
