The black-backed bush tanager, also known as the black-backed bush-finch, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is the only member in the genus Urothraupis. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Andes of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador, mainly in humid montane and elfin forests. It frequents forest edges, second-growth thickets, and especially Chusquea bamboo within cloud forests. The species forages in the understory and lower midstory, where mossy branches, vine tangles, and bamboo provide dense cover. It can also be found near the treeline in shrubby zones with scattered stunted trees.
Altitude Range
2500–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the black-backed bush-finch, it is the sole member of the genus Urothraupis within the tanager family (Thraupidae). It is a high-Andean specialist that favors dense, mossy forest edges and bamboo thickets. Often unobtrusive, it regularly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory and midstory. Its preference for intact cloud-forest makes it sensitive to habitat degradation.
Papallacta Pass – Ecuador
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically travels in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nesting is presumed to be cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation such as bamboo or shrubby edges. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging and may defend small breeding territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes and brief trills delivered from within cover. Calls are sharp tsip or tsee notes used to keep contact in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Sooty to blackish upperparts with contrasting paler grayish to whitish underparts; feathers often appear slightly fluffy in the cool, humid montane climate. Subtle pale throat and faint facial markings may be present, with cleaner coloration on belly and vent. Wings and tail are dark, matching the back.
Diet
Feeds on small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bamboo culms. Also takes small berries and other soft fruits when available, making it opportunistically omnivorous. Forages methodically in dense foliage, occasionally making short sallies to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Most often seen in Chusquea bamboo, mossy forest edges, and vine tangles within cloud forest. It works the understory to lower midstory, especially along trails, landslides, and natural openings where insects concentrate.
