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Photo: © Jhonathan Miranda eBird S26927eBird S26927057 Macaula057 Macaulay Library ML 23284801
oleaginous-hemispingus

Oleaginous Hemispingus

Sphenopsis frontalis
Hemispingus Verdoso
map-colombia-oleaginous-hemispingus
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Song

Oleaginous Hemispingus

Appearance: The Oleaginous Hemispingus is a small bird, typically around 13 cm (5 in) in length. It has a distinctive olive-green coloration on its upperparts, which gives it an "oleaginous" or oily appearance. Its underparts are usually a duller yellowish-green.The bird often has a subtle facial pattern, with some variations in the intensity of its markings depending on the subspecies. It has a relatively short and stout bill, suitable for its feeding habits, and its legs are usually dark.
Habitat: The Oleaginous Hemispingus is found in the Andes with a significant population in Colombia. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, often at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 m (4,900 to 9,800 ft). The species is found in dense forest undergrowth and edges, where it can forage for food.
Behavior: This bird is mostly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. It may also consume some fruits and seeds. Oleaginous Hemispingus is often observed foraging in pairs or small groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks.
Breeding: The nesting habits of the Oleaginous Hemispingus are not extensively documented, but it is known to build cup-shaped nests. Like many bird species in the Andes, it likely breeds during the wet season when food resources are abundant.  Both parents are believed to participate in feeding and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Oleaginous Hemispingus is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

Western Andes: The Oleaginous Hemispingus can be found in the montane forests of the Western Andes of Colombia. This region provides the humid forest environment that the species prefers.

Central Andes: Similar to the Western Andes, the Central Andes of Colombia offers habitats for the Oleaginous Hemispingus. The bird is often found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 m

Eastern Andes: The Eastern Andes of Colombia also host populations of this species, with similar habitat preferences as in the other Andean ranges.

Taxonomy

The Oleaginous Hemispingus (Sphenopsis frontalis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Sphenopsis 
  • Species: Sphenopsis frontalis

Vocalization

The vocalizations of this bird can be described as a series of high-pitched, sharp notes or chips, often delivered in a rapid sequence. These calls are used for communication between individuals, especially during foraging or when alarmed.
 The song of the Oleaginous Hemispingus is generally a simple, repetitive series of notes, lacking the complexity found in some other bird species. However, like many birds, their vocalizations can vary slightly based on geographic location and individual differences.