Habitat
Dense understorey in humid lower montane forest and vine tangles in ravines and at forest edge. Usually found near streams, particularly mossy ravines. From 750 - 1800m.
Western Andes of Colombia (western slope southern from Antioquia, also eastern slope in Nariņo) southern on both slopes in Ecuador to Peru (to Cajamarca and Amazonas; also on eastern slope from Pasco south to Marcapata Valley, in Cuzco).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation through accelerating deforestation as land is cleared for cattle ranching and soy production, facilitated by expansion of the road network, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A fast, high sibilant series of thin whistles lasting unbroken for over 10 seconds.
Olive Finch (Arremon castaneiceps) [XC366951]
by Nick Athanas from Pueblo Rico, Risaralda, Colombia (call, song)
Olive Finch (Arremon castaneiceps) [XC76323]
by Mitch Lysinger from La Guatemala, along the Rio Zu\u00f1ag, Tungurahua, Ecuador (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Often placed in genus Lysurus. On the basis of similarities in molecular data, plumage, voice, behaviour and micro-habitat, this genus, and also, Buarremon, now subsumed in present genus. Probably forms a superspecies, and sometimes considered conspecific, with Sooty-faced Finch (Arremon crassirostris).
Similar Species
Sooty-faced Finch (Arremon crassirostris) is sometimes considered conspecific but differs in having a bold white submoustachial stripe.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet