The yellow-thighed brushfinch is a passerine bird which is endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. Despite its name, it is not a true finch, but rather a member of the family Passerellidae, which also includes American sparrows, juncos and towhees.
Region
Central American Highlands
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane forests, especially cloud forests with dense understory and edges. Common in second growth, forest borders, and along trails where bamboo or shrub tangles are present. Often remains low to mid understory, moving through thickets in small groups. Occurs from northern Costa Rica south into the highlands of western Panama.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its common name, it is not a true finch but a sparrow-like member of the family Passerellidae. The bright yellow thigh ‘puffs’ are often partially hidden and flashed during movement or displays. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the cloud-forest understory and favors dense bamboo (Chusquea) thickets. Its bold, chipping calls make it easier to detect than to see in tangled vegetation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly associates with mixed-species flocks. Builds a cup nest low in dense vegetation; clutch size is typically small. Likely monogamous, with both parents involved in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, high-pitched whistles and sharp chips that carry through the forest. The song is a quick, slightly musical sequence of thin notes, while calls are emphatic, metallic chips used for contact within groups.
Plumage
Mostly dark slaty to blackish with a slightly sootier head and breast; body plumage smooth with minimal streaking. Bright, fluffy yellow thigh tufts stand out against the dark body. Underparts otherwise dusky gray with cleaner undertail.
Diet
Takes a variety of arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bamboo. Also consumes small fruits and berries, and occasionally seeds. Forages by hopping methodically through dense cover, often pausing to pick prey from leaves and stems.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory and lower midstory of cloud forests, forest edges, and regenerating second growth. Particularly fond of Chusquea bamboo stands and shrubby tangles along trails and gaps.
