A doradito measuring 10–12 cm, with bright olive tones dorsally and intense yellow ventrally. The male presents an erect semicrest that can be raised during display; the female shows a dull or plain olive crown. Uniform green-olive back; brownish-gray wings with discreet pale edging; weakly marked facial mask. Lower belly lemon-yellow. Bill dark and slender. The only typical high-elevation doradito in Argentina (NW and central sierras). In lowlands it coexists with other doraditos: it is distinguished by its purer olive-green coloration and its highly diagnostic voice. More olive and uniform than the Common Doradito (P. flaviventris) and the Limon (P. citreola), which show brownish tones on the head and back.
Geographical distribution: Generally a species of the subtropical Andes, from Colombia to NW Argentina, with isolated populations in central sierras and seasonal presence in lowlands of the Chaco and western Amazonia. In Argentina it is a local breeder in the NW: Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Rioja, in high ravines and humid montane zones between 2500–3400 m. In the Central Sierras: Córdoba and San Luis, restricted to humid shrublands. In winter it descends to lower sectors of northern and eastern Argentina (Santiago del Estero, Chaco, Formosa) and lowlands of Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Recent records as an occasional migrant in northeastern Buenos Aires.
Habitat: Humid shrublands near water, ravines and mountain slopes with dense vegetation, thickets of cardoon, tall grasslands, and high shrublands. In NW Argentina it occupies high ravines and hills, including arid montane zones with watercourses. In winter it moves to more open areas, low wetlands, and montane meadows.
Behavior: Active and confiding, moving through tall vegetation while remaining partially concealed. The male performs a repetitive song from a visible perch (“fiii” repeated 4–7 times), followed by a low circular flight with a wing-buzz produced by modified primaries. Makes short movements between shrubs; vocal during courtship with frequent contact calls. Metallic or sharp series “Chic… chic… chic-chic chrrh.” Insect-like notes and a soft, dry buzz during display.
Diet: Small arthropods taken in dense vegetation. Forages among stems and mid-level branches with small hops or short flights. Feeds alone or in pairs; in winter may form small groups.
Reproduction: The nest is a deep cup of grasses lined with feathers and hidden in dense vegetation. Clutch: 2–3 white eggs. Nest construction and care mostly by the female.
Conservation status: Not threatened locally or internationally. Uncommon but with stable populations in suitable habitat.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025