Black-eared Hemispingus Sphenopsis melanotis Scientific name definitions
Steven Hilty
Version: 1.0 — Published March 4, 2020
Text last updated July 29, 2015
Text last updated July 29, 2015
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Species names in all available languages
| Language | Common name |
|---|---|
| Catalan | tàngara d'antifaç |
| Dutch | Zwartoor-hemispingus |
| English | Black-eared Hemispingus |
| English (United States) | Black-eared Hemispingus |
| French | Tangara barbouillé |
| French (France) | Tangara barbouillé |
| German | Schwarzohr-Finkentangare |
| Japanese | ミミグロモリフウキンチョウ |
| Norwegian | svartøretanagar |
| Polish | zieleńczyk czarnouchy |
| Serbian | Crnouhi hemispingus |
| Slovak | stŕňa čiernosluché |
| Spanish | Hemispingo Orejinegro |
| Spanish (Ecuador) | Hemispingo Orejinegro |
| Spanish (Peru) | Hemispingo de Oreja Negra |
| Spanish (Spain) | Hemispingo orejinegro |
| Spanish (Venezuela) | Buscador Orejinegro |
| Swedish | svartörad/ockrabröstad hemispingus/piurahemispingus |
| Turkish | Kara Kulaklı Hemispingus |
| Ukrainian | Зеленяр чорнощокий |
Sphenopsis melanotis (Sclater, 1855)
PROTONYM:
Chlorospingus melanotis
Sclater, 1855. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 22 (1854), no.269, p.157 pl.68.
TYPE LOCALITY:
'Bogota, Colombia.
SOURCE:
Avibase, 2023
Definitions
- SPHENOPSIS
- MELANOTIS
- melanotis
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
UPPERCASE: current genus
Uppercase first letter: generic synonym
● and ● See: generic homonyms
lowercase: species and subspecies
●: early names, variants, misspellings
‡: extinct
†: type species
Gr.: ancient Greek
L.: Latin
<: derived from
syn: synonym of
/: separates historical and modern geographic names
ex: based on
TL: type locality
OD: original diagnosis (genus) or original description (species)
Originally Appeared in
Introduction
Taxonomic note: Lump. This account is a combination of multiple species accounts originally published in HBW Alive. That content has been combined and labeled here at the subspecies level. Moving forward we will create a more unified account for this parent taxon. Please consider contributing your expertise to update this account.
A highly variable species found through the Andes of southwestern Venezuela to northern Bolivia, the Black-eared Hemispingus can always be safely identified by the combination of black cheeks, pale supercilium, and cinnamon to rufous underparts. Those forms in northwest Peru, which are most divergent in having an all-black head apart from the long clean white supercilium, are sometimes separated specifically, under the vernacular name Piura Hemispingus. Throughout its broad range, this hemispingus is uncommon to locally fairly common, and seems to be most fond of areas with extensive Chusquea bamboo. Like congenerics, the Black-eared Hemispingus is typically found in pairs or singly, but often joins mixed-species flocks with other insectivores.
Field Identification
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
13–14 cm; 13–22 g. Bill relatively small and slender. Nominate race has crown and nape grey, side of head blackish, narrow greyish-white supraloral line (often obscure or lacking), inconspicuous white arc below eye; upperparts, including tail and upperwing-coverts, olive-grey, tinged brownish; primary coverts black, flight-feathers dusky, edged and tinged olive-grey; throat and underparts cinnamon to pale orangish-cinnamon, becoming whitish on centre of belly; sides and flanks tinged brownish, undertail-coverts buffy cinnamon; iris dark brown; bill blackish; legs brownish. Sexes similar. Juvenile is very dull and nondescript; immature like adult but much duller. Race berlepschi resembles nominate, but has black chin and richer, more rufous throat and chest; castaneicollis has fairly long, narrow and weak white supercilium (sometimes lacking or nearly so), more black on side of head and black upper throat.Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
14·5 cm. Small slender bill. Nominate race has head and throat black, sharply contrasting long, narrow white supercilium from bill to nape, small white arc below eye; upperparts uniformly brownish-grey, primary coverts dusky, flight-feathers dusky, edged and tinged brownish-grey; entire underparts rich cinnamon-rufous; iris dark brown; bill black; legs light brown. Sexes similar. Juvenile undescribed. Race macrophrys is slightly darker than nominate.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
14·5 cm. Much duller and more uniform than S. melanotis and S. piurae, and easily overlooked as an immature bird. Has crown to upperparts, including tail and entire wing, dull faded grey, back tinged olive; lores, area around eye and cheek dusky (not black) to dusky brown, contrasting little with rest of plumage; drab buffy olivaceous below, slightly brighter buff on undertail-coverts; iris dark brown; bill black; legs light brown. Sexes similar. Juvenile undescribed.
Systematics History
Editor's Note: This article requires further editing work to merge existing content into the appropriate Subspecies sections. Please bear with us while this update takes place.
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
Usually treated as conspecific with S. piurae and S. ochracea (see latter species). Races berlepschi and castaneicollis differ in having more rufous-chestnut breast and vent (at least 2) and rufous-tinged greyish flanks (HBW indicates that nominate has no black chin but some birds photographed in Ecuador clearly do), and song appears to be different, with introductory notes (some upslurred and others overslurred, in opposite proportions to nominate) and with the chatter seeming to lack the steep downslurred notes typical of nominate (hence narrower frequency range and different-shaped notes: 2+1=3) (1); more research needed. Three subspecies recognized.Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
Usually treated as conspecific with S. melanotis and S. ochracea (see latter); present species exhibits some vocal differences, and limited molecular data suggest that it is at least as distinct from S. melanotis as latter is from S. frontalis; review of group warranted. Two subspecies recognized.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
Usually treated as conspecific with S. melanotis and S. piurae, but each differs markedly in plumage and habitat and hence is tentatively accorded species rank here (although songs of present species and melanotis difficult to distinguish (2) ); review of group warranted. Monotypic.Subspecies
EBIRD GROUP (POLYTYPIC)
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared) Sphenopsis melanotis [melanotis Group]
Available illustrations of subspecies in this group
Distribution
Andes of W Venezuela (S Táchira) S on W slope of E Andes of Colombia (Santander and SE Boyacá S to head of Magdalena Valley, in Huila), also W Andes (E slope near Jardín, in Antioquia) and C Andes (Antioquia S to E slope in Nariño) of Colombia (probably also E slope of E Andes); also, E slope in Ecuador S to Tungurahua (Baños and Ambato) and in SE (Podocarpus National Park), including adjacent N Peru (3).
Sphenopsis melanotis melanotis (Sclater, 1855)
PROTONYM:
Chlorospingus melanotis
Sclater, 1855. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 22 (1854), no.269, p.157 pl.68.
TYPE LOCALITY:
'Bogota, Colombia.
SOURCE:
Avibase, 2023
Definitions
- SPHENOPSIS
- MELANOTIS
- melanotis
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
UPPERCASE: current genus
Uppercase first letter: generic synonym
● and ● See: generic homonyms
lowercase: species and subspecies
●: early names, variants, misspellings
‡: extinct
†: type species
Gr.: ancient Greek
L.: Latin
<: derived from
syn: synonym of
/: separates historical and modern geographic names
ex: based on
TL: type locality
OD: original diagnosis (genus) or original description (species)
Distribution
E slope of Andes in Peru from Amazonas S to N Cuzco.
Sphenopsis melanotis berlepschi (Taczanowski, 1880)
PROTONYM:
Chlorospingus berlepschi
Taczanowski, 1880. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 2, Meeting of March 16, 1880, p.195.
TYPE LOCALITY:
Ropaybamba [, Department of Junin], central Peru.
SOURCE:
Avibase, 2023
Definitions
- SPHENOPSIS
- MELANOTIS
- melanotis
- berlepschi
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
UPPERCASE: current genus
Uppercase first letter: generic synonym
● and ● See: generic homonyms
lowercase: species and subspecies
●: early names, variants, misspellings
‡: extinct
†: type species
Gr.: ancient Greek
L.: Latin
<: derived from
syn: synonym of
/: separates historical and modern geographic names
ex: based on
TL: type locality
OD: original diagnosis (genus) or original description (species)
Distribution
E slope in SE Peru (from Puno) S to C Bolivia (W Santa Cruz).
Sphenopsis melanotis castaneicollis (Sclater, 1858)
PROTONYM:
Chlorospingus castaneicollis
Sclater, 1858. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 26, Meeting of June 6, 1858, p.293-294.
TYPE LOCALITY:
interior of Peru, probably bordering Bolivia, if not from Bolivia.
SOURCE:
Avibase, 2023
Definitions
- SPHENOPSIS
- MELANOTIS
- melanotis
- castaneicollis
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
UPPERCASE: current genus
Uppercase first letter: generic synonym
● and ● See: generic homonyms
lowercase: species and subspecies
●: early names, variants, misspellings
‡: extinct
†: type species
Gr.: ancient Greek
L.: Latin
<: derived from
syn: synonym of
/: separates historical and modern geographic names
ex: based on
TL: type locality
OD: original diagnosis (genus) or original description (species)
EBIRD GROUP (MONOTYPIC)
Black-eared Hemispingus (Western) Sphenopsis melanotis ochracea Scientific name definitions
Distribution
W slope of Andes in SW Colombia (Nariño) and Ecuador (S to Chimborazo).
Sphenopsis melanotis ochracea (Berlepsch & Taczanowski, 1884)
PROTONYM:
Chlorospingus ochraceus
Berlepsch & Taczanowski, 1884. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1884, Part 3, Meeting of May 6, 1884, p.291, pl. XXIV, fig. 1.
TYPE LOCALITY:
Cayandeled and Chaguarpata, western Ecuador; type from Cayandeled, fide Berlepsch, 1912, Verh. V Intern. Ornith. Kongr., Berlin, 1911, p. 1095.
SOURCE:
Avibase, 2023
Definitions
- SPHENOPSIS
- MELANOTIS
- melanotis
- ochracea
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
UPPERCASE: current genus
Uppercase first letter: generic synonym
● and ● See: generic homonyms
lowercase: species and subspecies
●: early names, variants, misspellings
‡: extinct
†: type species
Gr.: ancient Greek
L.: Latin
<: derived from
syn: synonym of
/: separates historical and modern geographic names
ex: based on
TL: type locality
OD: original diagnosis (genus) or original description (species)
EBIRD GROUP (POLYTYPIC)
Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura) Sphenopsis melanotis piurae/macrophrys
Available illustrations of subspecies in this group
Distribution
extreme S Ecuador (S Loja) and immediately adjacent Peru (N end of both slopes of W Andes in Piura and Cajamarca).
Sphenopsis melanotis piurae (Chapman, 1923)
PROTONYM:
Hemispingus piurae
Chapman, 1923. American Museum Novitates no.67, p.11.
TYPE LOCALITY:
Palambla, 4000 ft., Prov. Piura, western slope of Andes, east of Paita, Peru.
SOURCE:
Avibase, 2023
Definitions
- SPHENOPSIS
- MELANOTIS
- melanotis
- piurae / piurensis
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
UPPERCASE: current genus
Uppercase first letter: generic synonym
● and ● See: generic homonyms
lowercase: species and subspecies
●: early names, variants, misspellings
‡: extinct
†: type species
Gr.: ancient Greek
L.: Latin
<: derived from
syn: synonym of
/: separates historical and modern geographic names
ex: based on
TL: type locality
OD: original diagnosis (genus) or original description (species)
Distribution
La Libertad (upper R Chicama Valley, on W slope of Andes), in NW Peru.
Sphenopsis melanotis macrophrys (Koepcke, 1961)
PROTONYM:
Hemispingus melanotis macrophrys
Koepcke, 1961. American Museum Novitates no.2028, p.22.
TYPE LOCALITY:
Sunchubamba, latitude 7°28' S., 2650 meters [Peru].
SOURCE:
Avibase, 2023
Definitions
- SPHENOPSIS
- MELANOTIS
- melanotis
- macrophrys
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
UPPERCASE: current genus
Uppercase first letter: generic synonym
● and ● See: generic homonyms
lowercase: species and subspecies
●: early names, variants, misspellings
‡: extinct
†: type species
Gr.: ancient Greek
L.: Latin
<: derived from
syn: synonym of
/: separates historical and modern geographic names
ex: based on
TL: type locality
OD: original diagnosis (genus) or original description (species)
Distribution
Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
W slope of Andes in SW Colombia (Nariño) and Ecuador (S to Chimborazo).
Habitat
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
Mainly in undergrowth of humid montane forest, especially in Chusquea bamboo or along thick shrubby or vine-covered forest borders. Recorded at 1800–2800 m in Venezuela; 1700–2900 m in Colombia; mostly 1800–2700 m in Ecuador; 1100–2200 m on E slope in Peru.Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
Humid montane forest, primarily where dense understorey of Chusquea bamboo present; also second-growth woodland. Reported at c. 2000–2500 m in S Ecuador; generally 1200–3050 m in NW Peru, e.g. 2450–2950 m in Huancabamba region of E Piura.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
Moist to humid woodland and forest and older second growth in W Ecuador. Unlike S. melanotis and S. piurae, apparently does not exhibit particular affinity for bamboo (Chusquea), although it favours thick shrubby undergrowth. Recorded at 1600–2200 m.
Migration Overview
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
Resident.Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
Resident.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
Apparently resident.
Diet and Foraging
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
Of 13 stomachs examined, eleven held only animal matter and two both animal and vegetable matter; contents included beetles (Coleoptera) and other insect parts, also seeds. Pairs or groups of 3–4 individuals regularly follow mixed-species flocks and forage from understorey to middle levels (mostly 1–6 m up), occasionally into subcanopy, but more often low, especially along forest borders. Hops actively and alertly through foliage, gleans or picks insects from leaves, and often checks whorls of dead bamboo leaves; may occasionally hang from leaves.Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
Arthropods, presumably also some vegetable matter. Usually in pairs, most often independently of mixed-species flocks, although in Peru considered regular member of latter. Forages from understorey to middle levels or higher, generally low down and in cover. Hops through foliage, gleans or picks items from leaves, checks whorls of dead bamboo leaves.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
Poorly known. No information on diet. Pairs or small groups are inconspicuous associates of mixed-species flocks, foraging in lower growth.
Sounds and Vocal Behavior
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
In SE Peru (Cuzco, 1500 m) at dawn, individuals (race berlepschi) sing duets, trios or quartets of high, fast, tinkling “tsink’a’lee, tsink’a’lee, tsink’a’lee... ti, ti..ti”, typically 5–6 “tsink’a’lee” phrases in almost explosive burst, then dying away and ending with irregular “ti” notes for few seconds, before song abruptly restarted by pair or group, song bout often continuing for several minutes. Song described also as fast sputtering chatter (2–3 seconds) of “jit” or “ja-jit” notes accelerating into twitter or sometimes slowing to rhythmic “ji-ja-jit ji-ja-jit ji-ja-jit”, with intervals of 3–12 seconds between songs; also as rhythmic, accentuated “didadidadidadid...”, 2–3 seconds. In Bolivia (castaneicollis) fairly high, squeaky or wheezy “jit” or “ja-jit”; in alarm, same calls in series while flicking wings.Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
Not well known. Song similar to that of S. melanotis, but delivery rate somewhat slower.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
Little definite information. Song reported as similar to that of S. melanotis.
Breeding
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
One bird in breeding condition in Sept in Colombia (Cundinamarca) and fledglings seen in Nov in Bolivia (Cochabamba). No other information.Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
No information.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
No information.
Conservation Status
Black-eared Hemispingus (Black-eared)
Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Uncommon to locally fairly common over most of range. Found in numerous middle-elevation protected areas scattered throughout range. Outside these areas may be assumed to be in decline owing to ongoing human colonization, forest destruction and consequent fragmentation of habitat.
Black-eared Hemispingus (Piura)
Not assessed. Rare and local in S Ecuador; somewhat more numerous in NW Peru. In Ecuador, known only from S Loja, in extreme S: a specimen and sight records at Utuana, and several records at El Tundo Natural Reserve, near Sozoranga. In Ecuador, much of this species’ habitat has been degraded or destroyed through cutting and burning; although it seems capable of surviving in secondary habitats, its global range is very small. If treatment as a full species found to be justified, listing as Near-threatened would seem appropriate.Black-eared Hemispingus (Western)
Not assessed. Little information on status, and only a small number of specimens and sightings; possibly rare and/or local. Since before end of 20th century, this species has been reported by various observers along the Nono–Mindo road and Chiriboga road, in NW Ecuador (Pichincha). Its occurrence in protected areas, if any, is uncertain.
