Dull-colored Grassquit Asemospiza obscura Scientific name definitions

This aptly named bird is uncommon along both slopes of the Andes and the adjacent coastal lowlands. They occur in both humid and dry areas, preferring shrubby woodland edges, gardens, and clearings. Compared to similar species, they are usually found in more brushy, rather than grassy, areas. They forage in groups, rarely mixing with other species. Both males and females are plain brown overall, with a slightly paler belly and darker back. Pay especial attention to flocks of exclusively female-colored birds, as other species generally have blackish adult males mixed in. Although very similar in appearance to many female seedeaters and grassquits, note Dull-colored Grassquit’s slender, bicolored bill. Their song consists of some quick introductory notes followed by a short trill or whistles.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Alvaro began birding as an 11 year old in Canada, and eventually trained in Evolutionary Ecology studying, creatures as varied as leaf-cutter ants and Argentine cowbirds. But his career has been focused on birding tourism, both as a guide and owner of his tour company, as well as a avitourism consultant to various organizations. He is the author of Birds of Chile, New World Blackbirds: The Icterids, as well as the ABA Field Guide to the birds of California. He lives in Half Moon Bay, California where he is known for his pelagic birding trips. Email: alvaro@alvarosadventures.com.