The Story
I photographed this Pileated Finch (Coryphospingus pileatus) at Finca Ecoturística San Javier, in the vereda Chucuní near Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia. It perched on a rock, showing its red crest and black and gray plumage. It is found in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, and possibly in Bolivia and French Guiana. It is mostly a year-round resident, though some seasonal movements are suspected in Venezuela. Known for its melodious song, it is a favorite of birdwatchers and photographers. IUCN lists it as Least Concern. The crest is black with a red central stripe, and it is usually held flat.
I made this frame with a Canon R5 and the RF 800mm f/11, at 1/90 sec, f/11, ISO 1600, −0.5 EV. Finca San Javier offers guided birding as part of its work to help conserve tropical dry forest.
©2024 Adam Rainoff Photographer
The bird
The Pileated Finch (Coryphospingus pileatus) belongs to the family Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) in the eBird/Clements taxonomy.
Source: eBird.org (opens in a new tab)
Conservation
Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessment published 2018), with the population trend listed as stable. Source: IUCN Red List
