Rufous-capped Brushfinch

Atlapetes pileatus

New World Sparrows · Passeriformes · Rare

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.

Least ConcernRareEndemicEats omnivoreforestcup nest24 g

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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