Rufous-browed Hemispingus (Poospiza rufosuperciliaris)

Identification & Behavior: ~16 cm (6.3 in). The Rufous-browed Hemispingus has slaty gray upperparts, sides of the head and crown. The broad superciliary, throat, breast, and center of the belly are bright rufous.  It forages in thick foliage in the understory of humid montane and elfin forests, and humid montane scrub in family groups, or in association with mixed species flocks. The Rufous-browed Hemispingus is often associated with bamboo. The ornate plumage of this Hemispingus is unique but see Black-capped Hemispingus.

Status: Endemic. The Rufous-browed Hemispingus is uncommon to rare and local in montane and elfin forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 2550-3500 m.

Name in Spanish: Hemispingo de Ceja Rufa.

Sub-species: Rufous-browed Hemispingus (Poospiza rufosuperciliaris), Blake and Hocking, 1974.

Meaning of Name: Poospiza: Gr. poa, poas= grass, meadow and spiza= finch. rufosuperciliaris: L. rufus= rufous and superciliaris= eyebrow.

Formerly known as Hemispingus rufosuperciliaris (2018).

See more of the Family Thraupidae