Yellow-thighed Brushfinch
A species of Pselliophorus Scientific name : Atlapetes tibialis Genus : Pselliophorus
Yellow-thighed Brushfinch, A species of Pselliophorus
Botanical name: Atlapetes tibialis
Genus: Pselliophorus
Content
Description General Info
Description
The yellow-thighed brushfinch (Atlapetes tibialis) 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. This is a common bird in wet mountain forests, second growth, bamboo clumps, scrubby pasture and bushy clearings from 1700 m altitude to the timberline. When not breeding, it can descend to 1200 m on the Caribbean slopes. The nest, built by the female, is a bulky cup of plant material hidden in coarse grasses, bamboo or a thickly-foliaged tree 0.7-4.6 m above the ground. The female lays two brown-blotched white or pale blue eggs, which she incubates for 12–14 days. The yellow-thighed brushfinch is a long-tailed species, 18.5 cm long and weighing 31 g. The adult is mainly dark grey, becoming black on the crown, throat, wings and tail, and with an olive tinge to the belly and breast. The bright yellow thighs contrast with the otherwise drab plumage, and give this species its English and scientific names. Young birds have duller, sootier plumage with a brown tone to the underparts, and olive-brown thighs. The yellow-thighed brushfinch has a heavy metallic tchuk call, and pairs have a twittering tinkling greeting. The male's song consists of high dry notes, tee tididee dee wink wink, or similar phrases. The yellow-thighed brushfinch feeds at all levels from the treetops to the ground, taking insects and spiders and many berries. It will also squeeze nectar from flowers. It is seen in pairs, family groups or in mixed-species feeding flocks with other small birds such as warblers. It can be very approachable.
Size
19 cm
Feeding Habits
Yellow-thighed Brushfinch consumes a varied diet including insects, spiders, berries, and nectar, showcasing diverse foraging behaviors and a unique palette for both animal and plant-derived foods.
Habitat
The yellow-thighed Brushfinch is typically found in high-elevation habitats ranging from wet mountain forests to the edge of the timberline. This species prefers regions with dense understory in both primary and secondary montane forests, and thrives in bamboo clumps, scrubby pastures, and bushy clearings. Its ecological niche extends from 1700 meters above sea level to areas just below the timberline, often utilizing shady pastures adjacent to forests, as well as bamboo-filled ravines.
Dite type
Granivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
New world sparrows Genus
Pselliophorus Species
Yellow-thighed Brushfinch