Common Chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavopectus

Common Chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavopectus. Photograph taken in the coastal region of Costa Rica, February 2023. Photograph courtesy of Dr. Tom Bartol, Carlsbad, California.

Background and Identification

The Common Chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavopectus, is a member of the Passerellidae family of New World Sparrows. This species was previously known as the Common Bush-Tanager and classified as a member of the Thraupidae Family of Tanagers. They are active and restless birds, with frequent tail flicks while foraging. Tail flicks are characteristic of New World Sparrows, a behavior often seen while the bird is foraging. In Mexico, this species is called Chinchinero Común.

The Common Chlorospingus is 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length on average, a medium size for a New World Sparrow. Sexes appear similar, called sexual monomorphism. It has olive-green upperparts, a grayish head, and a slightly darker face mask. The underparts are yellowish, with the throat and chest being paler. The eye is dark with a thin white or pale yellow arc above and below it, giving the bird a slightly “masked” look. Its wings and tail are also olive, with no distinctive markings. Juveniles have browner plumage and darker underparts.

Habitat and Geographical Range

This species is found in various habitats, including montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, typically at elevations between 600 m (1,970 feet) and 3,500 m (11,500 feet). It prefers a humid environment and tends to stay within the dense understory.

Geographically, the Common Chlorospingus has a broad range that extends from southern Mexico through Central America and into the Andes of South America, reaching as far south as Bolivia. It is particularly abundant in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This species is non-migratory, remaining in its geographical range year-round. Sometimes, it may make altitudinal movements depending on the season and availability of food. This is called altitudinal migration.

Common Misidentifications

The Common Chlorospingus can be confusion with the Yellow-throated Chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavigularis (which has a more vibrant yellow throat and is found in similar environments) and the Dusky Chlorospingus, Chlorospingus semifuscus (darker overall plumage and lacks distinct yellow underparts). The differentiations are based on the plumage coloration and pattern of both species, especially around the head and throat.

Conservation Perspective

From a conservation perspective, the Common Chlorospingus is currently considered to be of  Least Concern with stable, widely distributed populations.