beema/dysithamnus

Natural History of Ecuador's Mainland Avifauna (NHEMA).

a project of the Yanayacu Natural History Research Group

Lysurus castaneiceps, Olive Finch

Family Emberizidae, Order Passeriformes

This page was created by Harold F. Greeney in 2005. It is updated periodically and should be cited in the manner outlined on the NHEMA species list page.

Abstract:

This enigmatic species is poorly known throughout its range, probably due to its propensity to inhabit steep stream valleys and densely vegetated ravines. It occurs on both slopes of the Andes in Ecuador. Nests are large, neat balls of moss lined with dry leaves and entered through a side entrance. They are placed on the sides of steep rocky ravines, on branches, or in vine tangles exclusively associated with mountain streams. Clutch size in three nests was 2.

Relevant publications:

Greeney, H. F. & R. A. Gelis (In Review). Observations on the nesting of the Olive Finch (Lysurus castaneiceps) in eastern Ecuador. Ornitologia Neotropical

Schulenberg, T. S. & F. B. Gill. 1987. First description of the nest of the Olive Finch, Lysurus castaneiceps. Condor 89: 673-674.

Sclater, P. L. & O. Salvin. 1879. On the birds collected by the late Mr. T. K. Solomon in the state of Antioquia, United States of Colombia. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1879: 486-550.

Ecuadorian breeding dates:

DATE

LOCATION

STAGE

SOURCE of data

Early April

Parque Nacional Gran Sumaco, Sector Napo-Galeras, Napo

Building

Greeney & Gelis In review

Mindo Biological Station, Pichincha

Building

Greeney unpubl.

Early April

Parque Nacional Gran Sumaco, Sector Napo-Galeras, Napo

Incubation

Greeney & Gelis In review

Incubation

Schulenberg & Gill 1987

Early April

Parque Nacional Gran Sumaco, Sector Napo-Galeras, Napo

Nestling

Greeney & Gelis In review

Photographs:

Eggs of L. castaneiceps

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005. (infertile egg)

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005. (infertile egg)

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005. (infertile egg)

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.

Nestlings of L. castaneiceps

Nestling of Lysurus castaneiceps of unknown age, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador

Nestling of Lysurus castaneiceps of unknown age, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador

Nestling of Lysurus castaneiceps of unknown age, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador

Additional photographs of L. castaneiceps

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on rock wall, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps in vine tangle, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on horizontal branch, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps in vine tangle, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on horizontal branch, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest entrance.

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on rock face, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest entrance.

DATE	LOCATION	STAGE	SOURCE of data
Early April	Parque Nacional Gran Sumaco, Sector Napo-Galeras, Napo	Building	Greeney & Gelis In review
	Mindo Biological Station, Pichincha	Building	Greeney unpubl.
Early April	Parque Nacional Gran Sumaco, Sector Napo-Galeras, Napo	Incubation	Greeney & Gelis In review
		Incubation	Schulenberg & Gill 1987
Early April	Parque Nacional Gran Sumaco, Sector Napo-Galeras, Napo	Nestling	Greeney & Gelis In review


Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005. (infertile egg)	Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.	Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.	Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005. (infertile egg)

Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005. (infertile egg)	Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.	Egg of Lysurus castaneiceps, Napo-Galeras, April 2005.


Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on rock wall, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.	Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps in vine tangle, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on horizontal branch, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.	Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps in vine tangle, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest.

Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on horizontal branch, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest entrance.	Nest of Lysurus castaneiceps on rock face, April 2005, Napo-Galeras, Napo, eastern Ecuador. Arrow points to nest entrance.