Pale-headed Brushfinch
Atlapetes pallidiceps
Endangered brushfinch endemic to a tiny area of the Andes in southern Ecuador. Almost all of the known population lives in and around the Yunguilla Reserve above the town of Santa Isabel. Rather drab compared to other brushfinches, and best identified by the pale crown and throat, dark smudges on the face, and white spot in the wing. Typically stays low in dry forest and scrub, and sometimes feeds on the ground. Sometimes visits feeders within the Yunguilla Reserve.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Atlapetes pallidiceps
- Authority
- (Sharpe, 1900)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Passerellidae
- Genus
- Atlapetes
Range and habitat
Atlapetes pallidiceps thrives in regenerating landslides and fallow fields at elevations of 1,650 to 1,950 meters. This bird's habitat, concentrated in the Yunguilla Valley near Girón, Azuay, features dense low scrub, small clearings, and Chusquea bamboo patches. The species, often seen in pairs foraging within 2 meters of the ground, strategically places nests in thickets of small bushes or bamboo. Limited to the río Jubones drainage in Azuay and Loja, south Ecuador, Atlapetes pallidiceps remains primarily localized within identified patches, emphasizing its habitat specificity.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The Pale-headed Brush-finch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) is classified as Endangered, with fewer than 250 mature individuals. Conservation efforts between 2003 and 2012 led to a population increase, but the species remains in a precarious state. A decline in conservation work may lead to an uplisting to Critically Endangered. Despite a stable population, ongoing efforts are crucial for the survival and potential recovery of this species.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Cassin's Vireo
Vireo cassinii
Fairly dull vireo, intermediate between Blue-headed and Plumbeous. Grayish-olive overall, but with yellowish flanks and greenish back. Note white spectacles contrasting with gray head and two whitish wingbars. Breeds in mixed coniferous forests, especially in mountainous areas; winters in Mexico. Often separable from Blue-headed and Plumbeous Vireos by range, but can overlap during migration and winter. Cassin's is less contrasty than Blue-headed, especially between the gray face and whitish throat, and the greenish back blends into the nape and crown. Some birds are best left unidentified.
White-browed Bulbul
Pycnonotus luteolus
A plain brownish bulbul that is endemic to the bottom half of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Ubiquitous inhabitant of scrubby habitat across its range and sometimes overlaps with Yellow-throated Bulbul in rocky scrub. Although both species have a yellow vent and can sound similar, White-browed can be distinguished by its brown face and white eyebrow. Usually occurs in pairs and tends to skulk in undergrowth. Rather noisy but uncommonly seen, listen for regular, short bursts of distinctive raucous babbling.
Rufous-banded Owl
Strix albitarsis
Uncommon medium-sized owl found in the subtropical and temperate zones of the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. Patterned with rufous, dark brown, and white overall. Shows especially noticeable rufous on the facial disk and a spotted white belly. Occurs in the middle to upper levels of humid cloud forests from around 1,700–3,000 m. Nocturnal. Like most owls, more easily heard than seen. Vocalizations similar to Black-and-white Owl—a series of short hoots with a forceful longer hoot at the end—but slower.
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