Golden-browed Chlorophonia
The Golden-browed Chlorophonia is a small, vibrant songbird of the goldfinch family. Its striking plumage and melodic calls make it a favorite among birdwatchers, especially in the cloud forests of Central America. This species is especially notable for its presence in Costa Rica, where it can often be seen in the highland forests.
Chlorophonia callophrys
Scientific Name
Fringillidae (Finches, sometimes placed in Thraupidae)
Family
Passeriformes
Order
Range and Habitat
Geographic Range
The Golden-browed Chlorophonia is found in the highland forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Migratory Patterns
Preferred Habitat
Altitude Range
It inhabits montane cloud forests, particularly at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, its preferred locations include Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Talamanca Mountains, and Cerro de la Muerte.
The species thrives in the cool, moist environments of these cloud forests, often seen in the mid to upper canopy where it forages for fruits.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
While the Golden-browed Chlorophonia is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the species depends heavily on the preservation of highland cloud forests.
These habitats are increasingly threatened by deforestation, land-use changes, and climate change, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama.
Conservation efforts
Protection of these montane ecosystems is crucial for the species' long-term survival.
Primary Threats
These habitats are increasingly threatened by deforestation, land-use changes, and climate change, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama.
Identification
Golden-browed Chlorophonia
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
The Golden-browed Chlorophonia is a small, stocky bird, measuring about 13 cm (5 in) in length and weighing approximately 20 grams.
Plumage
The male is primarily green with a vibrant yellow brow running above its eyes, and a bright blue patch on the lower back. The underparts are yellowish-green. Females have similar colors but are slightly duller in appearance, with less distinct markings.
Distinctive Features
Short and thick bill, ideal for eating fruits and seeds.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have more vibrant coloration compared to females, though both are similarly striking.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Golden-browed Chlorophonias are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of small fruits, berries, and seeds. Their diet plays a critical role in seed dispersal for many plants in their environment. Key dietary items include: Mistletoe berries: A particular favorite, making this bird an important disperser of mistletoe in cloud forests. Figs and other small fruits from trees such as wild avocados and other forest species. Occasional insects: They may also consume small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when protein is needed for growing chicks.
Foraging Techniques
- They are often observed hopping and climbing among branches as they forage for fruit, sometimes hanging upside down to reach their food.
Feeding Times
Behavior Patterns
Golden-browed Chlorophonia
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Social Structure
Golden-browed Chlorophonias are relatively social birds, often seen in small flocks or mixed-species feeding groups.
Song and Vocalization
Their calls are soft, high-pitched whistles or short melodic notes, often heard before the bird is seen.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
When it’s time to breed, the Chlorophonia will pair up with its partner and isolate themselves as a couple.
Territoriality
They are not highly territorial, often sharing feeding grounds with other fruit-eating species.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations
Costa Rica is an ideal destination to observe the Golden-browed Chlorophonia, especially in cloud forests where its bright green plumage stands out against the mossy, misty environment. Top birdwatching spots include:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: The lush, epiphyte-laden forests here provide ideal conditions for spotting this bird. Listen for their soft whistles and scan the canopy for fruiting trees.
- Los Quetzales National Park: Located in the Talamanca range, this park offers excellent bird watching opportunities for highland species, including the Golden-browed Chlorophonia.
- San Gerardo de Dota (Cerro de la Muerte): Another prime spot in the highlands of Costa Rica where birders have frequent sightings of this species.
Best Time of the Year
As the highlands enjoy consistent weather year-round, visitors can enjoy excellent visibility and comfortable birdwatching conditions all year. The breeding season is normally February through June, but like many tropical birds a second nesting may be attempted about two weeks after the first brood leaves the nest. Year round is reliable for viewing this bird.
Common Behavior
- Look for fruiting trees and mistletoe clusters: Chlorophonias are often found near their favorite food sources.
- Listen for their soft calls: Their vocalizations can help you locate them even in dense forest.
Recommended Gear
Bring binoculars with good clarity to pick out their vibrant colors in the thick canopy.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
The Golden-browed Chlorophonia typically breeds during the rainy season, from March to June in Costa Rica. Its nest is often concealed in dense vegetation or epiphytes, sometimes near mistletoe clusters, which are crucial for feeding their young.
Nesting Sites
Spherical or cup-shaped, constructed from moss, leaves, and fibers, placed in epiphytes or high in the forest canopy.
Clutch Size
Generally two eggs.
Incubation Period
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Parental Care
Chicks fledge after around 20 to 22 days, during which both parents participate in feeding.
Did You Know?
Mistletoe Specialist:
The Golden-browed Chlorophonia is one of the primary seed dispersers for mistletoe species in the cloud forests, playing a key role in the ecology of this parasitic plant.
Camouflage:
Despite their bright colors, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot in the dense, green environment of the cloud forest.
Social Behavior:
They are often seen in small groups and sometimes join mixed-species feeding flocks, which include other tanagers and frugivores.
Costa Rica Superstar:
This species is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama. It’s a “must see” for many birders and photographers and Costa Rica is the easiest place to see it. Its beauty is renowned and it’s not a bird to miss.
Romantic:
Most of the year this species enjoys social groups, moving around the forest foraging for food. When it’s time to breed, the Chlorophonia will pair up with its partner and isolate themselves as a couple.
Scientific Re-classification:
The taxonomy of this bird is a bit of a mystery. At one time it was classified as a Tanager. Over the years, with more in depth DNA studies, the Chlorophonia was re-classified a the changes though so the future classification of this species remains a mystery. s a Finch, and recently further classified as a Goldfinch. Many ornithologists disagree with.