Image via Macaulay Library
Oleaginous Hemispingus
- Scientific name
- Sphenopsis frontalis
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Rounded
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Oleaginous Hemispingus, scientifically known as Sphenopsis frontalis, was first formally described by taxonomist Philip Sclater in 1851. It occupies a distinct niche within the tanager family, primarily inhabiting the humid montane forests of the northern Andes. Its evolutionary history is tied to the complex biogeography of the South American cloud forests, where its subtle coloration and rounded wing morphology evolved as adaptations for maneuvering through dense, high-altitude undergrowth.
The bird's common name reflects its distinctive, somewhat dull, olive-hued plumage, which provides effective camouflage amidst the mossy branches of its habitat. Unlike more vibrant species in its family, the Oleaginous Hemispingus was identified during a period of intense 19th-century ornithological surveyance in Colombia and Venezuela. It remains a subject of study for avian researchers focusing on the specific micro-climates of the Andean slope, where its notched tail serves as a functional tool for agility in flight.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Oleaginous Hemispingus
Oleaginous Hemispingus is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Oleaginous Hemispingus on collecto.rs?
Oleaginous Hemispingus doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Oleaginous Hemispingus?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Oleaginous Hemispingus catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Oleaginous Hemispingus is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
