Sooty-capped Bush Tanager

The Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, also known as the Sooty-capped Bush Tanager, is a diminutive passerine that boasts a modest length of 13.5 cm and a weight of a mere 20 grams. This bird is adorned with a blackish head, complemented by a striking white supercilium and a grey throat. Its upperparts are cloaked in an olive hue, while the underparts are a vibrant yellow, transitioning to white on the belly. A particular population near the Irazu-Turrialba region exhibits a greyer plumage with an absence of yellow on the underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the adult Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, look for its darker head and pronounced supercilium, which set it apart from the common Chlorospingus. Immature birds present with a browner head, a less vivid olive-tinged supercilium, and a duller coloration below.

Habitat

This species thrives in the mossy mountain forests, secondary growth, and adjacent bushy clearings, typically found from 1600 meters altitude to regions above the timberline.

Distribution

The Sooty-capped Chlorospingus is an endemic resident breeder, gracing the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama with its presence.

Behaviour

These birds are sociable creatures, often seen in small groups or as part of a mixed-species feeding flock.

Song & Calls

The call of the Sooty-capped Chlorospingus is a high-pitched "tseet tseet," while its song is a scratchy "seechur seechur see see seechur seechur," with variations that add to the acoustic diversity of its habitat.

Breeding

The bulky cup nest of the Sooty-capped Chlorospingus is an architectural marvel, constructed on a bank, nestled in a dense bush, or ingeniously hidden amongst epiphytes up to 11 meters high in a tree. The normal clutch consists of two pink-brown eggs, delicately marked with white.

Diet and Feeding

A diet of insects, spiders, and small fruits sustains the Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, providing the necessary nutrients for its active lifestyle.

Conservation status

The Sooty-capped Chlorospingus is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population within its natural range.