Hemispingus de Antifaz
Northern Black-eared Hemispingus (subsp.)
Sphenopsis (melanotis) melanotis
Song
Northern Black-eared Hemispingus (subsp.)
Appearance: The Northern Black-eared Hemispingus has a combination of olive-green and gray plumage. It is distinguished by a black patch around its ears, which gives it its name. This bird is small, with a compact body and a short tail. It often has a subtle yellow wash on its underparts and a slightly hooked bill.
Habitat: This subspecies is found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It inhabits areas at higher elevations, often between 1500 and 3000 m above sea level.
Behavior: The Northern Black-eared Hemispingus feeds on insects and small arthropods, but it may also consume fruits and seeds. It is often seen in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species flocks. This bird is active during the day and is known for its agile movements through the forest canopy.
Breeding: Information on the specific breeding habits of this subspecies is limited, but like other tanagers, it builds cup-shaped nests. Breeding behaviors such as courtship and incubation are not well-documented for this subspecies.
Conservation status: The overall species is not listed as threatened by the IUCN.
Distribution
The Northern Black-eared Hemispingus is found in all the ranges of the Andean regions where suitable montane forest habitats exist.
Taxonomy
The Northern Black-eared Hemispingus (subsp.) (Sphenopsis (melanotis) melanotis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Sphenopsis
- Species: Sphenopsis melanotis
- Subspecie: melanotis
Vocalization
There is limited specific information available about the distinct calls and trills of this species, like many birds in the tanager family, they are likely to produce a variety of vocalizations for communication, including calls and songs used for territory defense and mate attraction.
We recommend consulting resources such as bird sound libraries or field guides specific to the regions where these birds are found. Websites and apps like the Macaulay Library or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Merlin Bird ID app can be useful for accessing recordings and descriptions of bird calls.
