Black-eared Hemispingus Sphenopsis melanotis

Small warblerlike tanager found in the Andes from extreme western Venezuela to Bolivia. Brownish above and tawny-orange below, with color concentrated on the breast. Note gray nape and crown, and black cheek. Some geographic variation: birds on west slope of Andes in Ecuador and Colombia are dullest with no black cheek, while birds in northwest Peru and southern Ecuador are brightest below with a bold white eyebrow. Usually uncommon; found in pairs in the understory or middle levels of montane forests and edges from around 1,400–2,500 m. Especially apt to be found in areas with chusquea bamboo. Listen for its sputtering chatter.