Pale-headed brushfinch

The pale-headed brushfinch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is endemic to arid areas with low scrub at altitudes of 1650 – in south-central Ecuador.

It is threatened by habitat loss and the nest-parasitic shiny cowbird. Most of its tiny known range, estimated at only 1 km2 by BirdLife International, is within the Yunguilla reserve, which, following the rediscovery of this species in 1998, was set up by the Jocotoco Foundation. Following intensive management, including the removal of cowbirds, the population of the pale-headed brushfinch is currently increasing. Further increase, however, may be limited by a lack of suitable habitat.

Habitat
Atlapetes pallidiceps thrives in regenerating landslides and fallow fields at elevations of 1,650 to 1,950 meters. This bird's habitat, concentrated in the Yunguilla Valley near Girón, Azuay, features dense low scrub, small clearings, and Chusquea bamboo patches. The species, often seen in pairs foraging within 2 meters of the ground, strategically places nests in thickets of small bushes or bamboo. Limited to the río Jubones drainage in Azuay and Loja, south Ecuador, Atlapetes pallidiceps remains primarily localized within identified patches, emphasizing its habitat specificity.

Conservation
The Pale-headed Brush-finch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) is classified as Endangered, with fewer than 250 mature individuals. Conservation efforts between 2003 and 2012 led to a population increase, but the species remains in a precarious state. A decline in conservation work may lead to an uplisting to Critically Endangered. Despite a stable population, ongoing efforts are crucial for the survival and potential recovery of this species.

Threats
The Pale-headed Brush-finch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) faces significant threats, notably brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird, with a 42% parasitism rate in 2002. Successful cowbird control since 2003 has positively impacted the population. The species is vulnerable to fires, leading to reduced adult survival, and is potentially threatened by droughts, as water availability influences adult survival. A high annual turnover of 40% in singing males suggests rapid vulnerability to changes in management or new threats.