• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species has a moderately large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species has been described as 'fairly common but patchily distributed’ (Stotz et al. 1996), 'fairly common'  (Schulenberg et al. 2010), and 'uncommon and local' (Ridgely and Tudor 2009).

Trend justification
Recent deforestation analysis and remote sensing data shows that habitat loss has been negligible; tree cover loss within the species range equates to ≤1% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species is however restricted to mostly Polylepis woodlands (Schulenberg and Jaramillo 2020), perhaps only occasionally visiting park-like surroundings around agricultural fields (W.-P. Vellinga in litt. 1999). In the absence of any other substantial threats however, the population is suspected to be stable.

Atlapetes rufigenis has a patchy distribution in the Andes of west Peru, mostly in the drainage of the upper río Marañón, from south Cajamarca to Huánuco and Ancash (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990). It is apparently locally fairly common (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990) and common near Tantamayo (W.-P. Vellinga in litt. 1999). In the Cordillera Blanca, it is found in c.20 remnant patches of Polylepis woodland (J. Fjeldså verbally 2000).

This species occurs at elevations of 3,200-4,600 m in Polylepis woodland, mixed Alnus and Polylepis groves, montane evergreen forest edge, montane scrub and secondary growth (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990, G. Servat in litt. 1999, Clements and Shany 2001, Schulenberg et al. 2007, 2010). It has also been found in park-like surroundings around agricultural fields (W.-P. Vellinga in litt. 1999). The species is thought to consume a mixture of insects and seeds, with diet generally varying seasonally (Schulenberg and Jaramillo 2020). 

Cutting for firewood and a lack of regeneration caused by burning and intensive grazing are thought to be reducing mixed Polylepis woodlands (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996). Other factors include the change from camelid to sheep and cattle farming, erosion and soil degradation caused by agricultural intensification, road construction and the inadequacy of afforestation projects (particularly the use of Eucalyptus and other exotic tree species) (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996). A recent deforestation analysis shows that habitat loss within the species range is negligible, as tree cover loss has amounted to ≤1% over three generations ([10.2 years; Bird et al. 2020], Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The impact of habitat degradation, farming, and development is therefore considered to have minimal effect on the species' habitat. 

Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in Huascarán National Park, Ancash, but until recently habitat degradation was continuing even within this reserve (Frimer and Møller Nielsen 1989, Fjeldså and Kessler 1996). However, there is now active management of remaining Polylepis patches (Byers 2000).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Quantify the population size. Conduct ecological studies to determine tolerance of disturbed habitats and levels of dependence on declining native woodlands. Investigate topics on diet, foraging behaviour and reproduction (Schulenberg and Jaramillo 2020). Monitor populations at known sites.
Increase the area of suitable habitat that has protected status.

17.5 cm. Pale grey and rufous finch. Russet head. White supraloral 'horns' and moustache. Dark smoky-grey upperparts including wings and tail. Blackish submalar streak. White throat. Whitish underparts somewhat flammulated grey on breast and sides. Brownish-grey flanks. Similar spp Allopatric Apurímac Brush-finch A. forbesi has noticeable black markings on face. Voice Faint tzip calls and varied song of four notes.

Text account compilers
Fernando, E.

Contributors
Fjeldså, J., Gilroy, J., O'Brien, A., Servat, G., Sharpe, C.J. & Vellinga, W.-P.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rufous-eared Brushfinch Atlapetes rufigenis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rufous-eared-brushfinch-atlapetes-rufigenis on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.