Sierra Nevada Brushfinch

Arremon basilicus

New World Sparrows · Passeriformes · Rare

The Sierra Nevada Brushfinch (Arremon basilicus) is a rare new world sparrow found only in Colombia, weighing about 42 g. The Sierra Nevada brushfinch is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows.

Near ThreatenedRareEndemicEats omnivoreforest42 g

About the Sierra Nevada Brushfinch

The Sierra Nevada brushfinch is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is endemic to Colombia.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The Sierra Nevada brushfinch is about 19 cm (7.5 in) long. The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a black crown with a gray stripe in the middle, a gray supercilium that extends to the nape and continues behind the ear coverts. The rest of their face is black. Their upperparts, wings, and tail are olive-green. Their throat is white with a narrow black band below it. The center of their breast and belly is white and their sides, flanks, and vent are brownish olive. They have a dark chestnut-brown iris, a black bill, and blackish legs and feet. Voice: The Sierra Nevada brushfinch's song is "a high-pitched sibilant series of notes...with very fast delivery and almost nervous sound, this due also to inclusion of some quavering high-pitched whistles". Its call is "a sharp note".

Where it lives

When to see it

The Sierra Nevada Brushfinch can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Sierra Nevada Brushfinch?
The Sierra Nevada brushfinch is about 19 cm (7.5 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Sierra Nevada Brushfinch?
The Sierra Nevada Brushfinch is a small sized bird weighing about 42 g.
Where can you see a Sierra Nevada Brushfinch?
The Sierra Nevada Brushfinch is endemic to Colombia, which is the only country where it occurs.
What birds look similar to a Sierra Nevada Brushfinch?
The Sierra Nevada Brushfinch is most easily confused with the Green-striped Brushfinch, the Black-headed Brushfinch and the Golden-winged Sparrow.
Is the Sierra Nevada Brushfinch endangered?
The Sierra Nevada Brushfinch is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Sierra Nevada Brushfinch for real

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