Choco Brushfinch

The Choco brushfinch (Atlapetes crassus) is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. == Taxonomy and systematics == The Choco brushfinch was formally described in 1908 with its current binomial Atlapetes crassus. For a time it was considered a subspecies of the tricolored brushfinch (Atlapetes tricolor). As early as 1960 an author advocated returning it to full species status. By 2012 the IOC had recognized it as a species. In 2014 BirdLife International's Handbook of the Birds of the World followed suit as did the Clements taxonomy in 2024. The first version of AviList in 2025 also recognized it. However, as of February 2026 the independent South American Classification Committee has declined to recognize the split but has a proposal to do so under consideration. The Choco brushfinch is monotypic. == Description == The Choco brushfinch is 16 to 18 cm (6.3 to 7.1 in) long and weighs 29.5 to 40 g (1.0 to 1.4 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a tawny-golden crown and nape and a black face. Their back is dark olive to dark gray and their rump and uppertail coverts are…