Ochre-breasted Brushfinch

The ochre-breasted brushfinch (Atlapetes semirufus) is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is endemic to the northern Andes, occurring in Colombia and Venezuela. In Colombia, it inhabits elevations of 1,600–3,500 meters, while in Venezuela it is found between 600–2,700 meters. The species is present in several national parks and is not currently considered to face immediate conservation threats. Although relatively common, its breeding biology and life history remain poorly understood, and the population is believed to be in decline. == Taxonomy == In 1840 Boissonneau, a French ornithologist and ocularist, first described the Atlapetes semirufus as a bird species in the family Passerellidae found in the montane forests in Columbia and Venezuela, where it occupies subtropical moist environments. This species was first described under the original name Tanagra (Arremon) semirufus. == Description == The ochre-breasted brushfinch measures approximately 18 cm in length and weighs between 29–33 g. It is a slim brushfinch with a finely tipped, pointed bill. Adults display a plain tawny-orange coloration from the head to the breast, olive upperparts including wings and tail, and yellowish underparts with a greenish wash on the flanks. The iris is chestnut, the bill is grey, and the legs…