Hemispingus Occidental
Western Hemispingus
Sphenopsis ochracea
Song
Western Hemispingus
Appearance: The Western Hemispingus is a small, stocky bird with a short tail and a stout bill. It features a combination of olive and ochre tones, with variations depending on the subspecies. The underparts are often lighter, with a more ochraceous or yellowish hue. It may have subtle facial markings or a faint eye-ring, but these can vary across its range.
Habitat: The Western Hemispingus is found in the Andean regions. It inhabits montane forests, preferring humid and mossy areas. It is often found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 m.This species tends to occupy the mid to upper levels of the forest, often in dense foliage.
Behavior: The Western Hemispingus is insectivorous, foraging for insects and other small arthropods. It consumes fruits and seeds occasionally. It is often seen in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species foraging flocks, which is common behavior among tanagers.
Breeding: The nesting habits of the Western Hemispingus are not extensively documented, it builds its nest in dense vegetation to conceal it from predators. Breeding seasons may vary depending on the local climate and elevation, but coinciding with periods of increased food availability.
Conservation Status: The Western Hemispingus is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN.
Distribution
The Western Hemispingus is found in southern regions of the country as a rare resident. This bird is found in the western sloples of the Andes in the department of Nariño.
Taxonomy
The Western Hemispingus (Sphenopsis ochracea)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Sphenopsis
- Species: Sphenopsis ochracea
Vocalization
The vocalizations are used for communication between individuals, especially during the breeding season. The song might include a series of quick notes or trills, which can vary in pitch and rhythm. If you're interested in hearing the specific calls and songs, resources like the Macaulay Library or Xeno-canto provide audio recordings of many bird species, including the Western Hemispingus.
