Rufous-capped Brushfinch
Atlapetes pileatus
The Rufous-capped Brushfinch (Atlapetes pileatus) is a rare new world sparrow found only in Mexico, weighing about 24 g. The rufous-capped brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows.










About the Rufous-capped Brushfinch
The rufous-capped brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is endemic to Mexico.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The rufous-capped brushfinch is 14.5 to 16.5 cm (5.7 to 6.5 in) long and weighs 21.5 to 27.5 g (0.76 to 0.97 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a rufous crown, a dark charcoal face, and a gray nape. Their upperparts, wings, and tail are olive-green. Their throat is yellow. Their underparts are mostly yellowish with an olive tinge on the sides of the breast and a strong cinnamon tinge on the flanks and undertail coverts. They have a brown to dark red-brown iris, a blackish bill, and dusky pinkish to brownish legs and feet. Voice: The rufous-capped brushfinch's song is "1–2 thin notes followed by 4 chipping notes" that sometimes become a trill. Its call is "an excited chik or chi-chi-chi-chi".
Where it lives
When to see it
The Rufous-capped Brushfinch can be seen all year round, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Rufous-capped Brushfinch?
- The rufous-capped brushfinch is 14.5 to 16.5 cm (5.7 to 6.5 in) long and weighs 21.5 to 27.5 g (0.76 to 0.97 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Rufous-capped Brushfinch?
- The Rufous-capped Brushfinch is a small sized bird weighing about 24 g.
- Where can you see a Rufous-capped Brushfinch?
- The Rufous-capped Brushfinch is endemic to Mexico, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Rufous-capped Brushfinch?
- The Rufous-capped Brushfinch is most easily confused with the Santa Marta Brushfinch, the White-winged Brushfinch and the Ochre-breasted Brushfinch.
- Is the Rufous-capped Brushfinch endangered?
- The Rufous-capped Brushfinch is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Rufous-capped Brushfinch for real
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