Poospiza rufosuperciliaris
The Rufous-browed Hemispingus, *Poospiza rufosuperciliaris*, is a striking member of the tanager family (Thraupidae), distinguished by its vibrant facial markings. Measuring approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 12-16 grams, this small passerine features olive-green upperparts, a contrasting slate-gray head, and clean whitish underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, providing its common name, is the prominent rufous (rusty-red) supercilium or 'brow' that extends f...
Found exclusively in humid montane cloud forests, forest edge, and dense shrubbery, typically at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 meters (6,500-11,500 feet) in the Andes.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small insects and other arthropods, which it gleans from leaves, twigs, and moss-covered branches.
This active, diurnal species spends much of its time foraging in the understory and midstory of its dense forest habitat, often as a key component of mixed-species flocks. It employs a gleaning strategy, meticulously searching foliage, bark, and mosses for insects and other arthropods. While spec...
The Rufous-browed Hemispingus is a resident species, endemic to a specific region of the central Andes in South America. Its distribution is highly localized, occurring in southern Peru, specifically within the departments of Cusco and Puno, extending south into western Bolivia, primarily in the ...
Least Concern
- The Rufous-browed Hemispingus was once classified in the genus *Hemispingus*, but was moved to *Poospiza* after molecular studies revealed it was more closely related to warbling-finches. - Its distinctive rufous 'brow' is one of the most prominent field marks, giving it its common name and mak...