“It exhibits a rich rufous coloration on the lower part and a steely gray shade on the upper part, accentuated by a gleaming yellow forecrown.”
Meet the Plushcap
“Plushcap” by ryanacandee is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Plushcap (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) is a small finch native to tropical South America, wearing bluish-grey upperparts, including the scapulars and under tail-coverts, with dusky primary coverts, flight feathers, and tail with a brownish tinge and dull bluish-grey edges. The forked tail has pointed feathers with narrow outer webs. The underparts are rich chestnut from the throat to the undertail-coverts. The head features a blackish hind crown and nape, while the forehead and forecrown are adorned with dense and velvety, stiff and plush-like golden-yellow feathers. The lores and eye area are dusky, and the ear coverts, cheeks, head sides, chin, and throat are rich chestnut. The bill is black, stout, and heavy, with dark brown eyes, and the legs and feet are greyish-tinged brown.
“500_1342 – Version 2” (cropped) by Bird Brian is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The male and female are similar, with the male being slightly larger.
In comparison, the juvenile is duller than adults, displaying a dark grey forehead and forecrown, and greyish-olive upperparts with paler-tinged rufous underparts. The immature shows some yellow on the forecrown at the base of feathers, and overall plumage is brighter than in the juvenile.
“Catamblyrhynchus diadema 181602680” by desertnaturalist is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
These birds are specifically found in northern Colombia, northern Venezuela (where it is known as the “cardenalito”), and Guyana. Its taxonomic classification has been subject to uncertainty, with initial placement in a separate monotypic family called Caramblyrhynchidae within Emberizidae. However, it is now included in the family Thraupidae, supported by molecular data, though its evolutionary relationships still remain mysterious. It is currently placed in its own genus, Catamblyrhyncus, due to its very distinctive appearance and behavior.
“File:Catamblyrhynchus diadema -Ecuador-8.jpg” (cropped) by Ben Tavener from Curitiba, Brazil is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Plushcap is found in upper wet montane forests, woodlands, and borders, particularly those with stands of Chusquea bamboo, throughout its Andean range between 1800 and 3500 meters of elevation.
“plushcap, tangara peluda, tête-de-peluche couronné” by desertnaturalist is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
The Plushcap feeds on insects, other arthropods, berries, and small plant matter, especially bamboo stalks. It forages actively, typically in pairs or alone but sometimes in small family groups. It can also be seen in mixed-species flocks with other small insect and fruit-eating species.
Photo courtesy of Francesco Veronesi from Italy/CC BY-SA 2.0
As for its breeding behavior, not much is known. The breeding season seems to coincide with the wet season, providing abundant food resources.
“plushcap, tangara peluda, tête-de-peluche couronné” (cropped) by Christoph Moning is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
This species is usually quiet but gives high, soft “chip” notes while foraging. An infrequent song, resembling a monotonous series of unmusical “chip” or “tseep” notes and twitters, can be heard in some regions.
“500_1342 – Version 2” (cropped) by Bird Brian is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Although the Plushcap faces threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation, logging, agriculture, and human settlements, it is currently listed as Least Concern due to its presence in numerous protected areas and apparent fairly common occurrence in suitable habitats. However, some subspecies, such as “federalis,” are confined to small areas and at risk due to reduced suitable habitat with bamboo.
“plushcap, tangara peluda, tête-de-peluche couronné” (cropped) by thibaudaronson is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Listen to this bird below:
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Unmistakable Wearing His Vest Of Fiery Orange Topped Off By A Metallic, Ultramarine Cap, The Male Exhibits A Striking Appearance For All To Admire!
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