Northern Slaty Brushfinch Atlapetes schistaceus

Mostly gray brushfinch found from Venezuela to Ecuador. Bold head pattern with rufous crown, white throat, and black mustache stripe. Note also small white patch at base of primaries. A high elevation species, occurring in scrubby habitats from around 2,500-3,400m. Pairs usually forage at lower levels, sometimes accompanying a mixed-species flock. Relatively simple song usually heard only at dawn. More often heard is the complex descending chatter given as two birds approach each other.