The white-rimmed brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on the slopes of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador, favoring humid montane and cloud forests. It is most often found in dense understory, forest edges, second-growth thickets, and along streams. The species tolerates disturbed habitats, including regenerating forest and shrubby roadsides. It may also use bamboo stands and shaded agricultural margins where cover is dense.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This brushfinch is a skulker of Andean montane forests in Colombia and Ecuador, often keeping to dense understory and roadside thickets. Its name refers to the crisp white edging around the ear-coverts and face. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging and adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups within dense cover. Often associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are typically well-concealed cup structures placed low in thick vegetation; both parents likely share care duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles and trills delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp chips and metallic tsip notes used to keep contact in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-tinged upperparts with gray to slaty head and underparts; wings and tail dark olive-brown. A distinct white crescent outlines the ear-coverts and cheek, creating the characteristic 'white rim.' The throat is pale to whitish, blending into gray breast and belly.
Diet
Eats a mix of arthropods such as insects and spiders, along with seeds, small fruits, and berries. Forages by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and the forest floor, often probing tangles and bamboo. Will opportunistically take fallen fruit and small invertebrates disturbed by other species.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory and mid-story of humid montane forest, along edges, landslides, and shrubby secondary growth. Also uses bamboo thickets and shaded plantation borders where dense cover is present.
