Oleaginous Hemispingus (Sphenopsis frontalis)

Identification & Behavior: ~14.5 cm (6 in). The Oleaginous Hemispingus has a yellow-olive head, back, and tail. The underparts are yellowish. The superciliary is yellowish. It forages in thick foliage in the understory and mid-canopy of humid montane forests. The Oleaginous Hemispingus may be associated with bamboo.  It is similar to a Parodi’s  Hemispingu but is distinguished by a more dingy-olive plumage, no dusky on the forehead, and yellow-olive superciliary. Also, see Citrine Warbler.

Status: The Oleaginous Hemispingus is uncommon to rare in montane forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1500-2600 m. It also occurs in Co and Ec.

Name in Spanish: Hemispingo Oleaginoso.

Sub-species: Oleaginous Hemispingus (Sphenopsis frontalis frontalis), (Tschudi), 1844.

Meaning of Name: Sphenopsis: Gr. Sphēnos= wedge, opsis= appearance. frontalis: L. frons, frontis= forehead, brow, frontalis= fronted, frontal.

Formerly known as Hemispingus frontalis (2017).

See more of the Family Thraupidae