The black-capped hemispingus is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the Andes mountains of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, especially along forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo (Chusquea) thickets. It frequents the midstory to upper understory, where moss, bromeliads, and other epiphytes are abundant. Often found along ridges, ravines, and forested slopes with dense shrub layers. It tolerates some disturbance but depends on structurally complex, moist forest.
Altitude Range
1800–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tanager, the black-capped hemispingus often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through mossy midstory and bamboo. It favors humid montane forests and edges and can be an indicator of healthy cloud-forest understory. Its distinctive black cap contrasts with otherwise olive and yellow tones, aiding quick field identification. It forages by gleaning insects from foliage and epiphytes and also takes small fruits seasonally.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in mixed-species flocks, moving rapidly through midstory foliage. Pairs or small family groups may hold loose territories during breeding. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched chips and short trills, often delivered from cover. Calls are sharp, sibilant notes used to keep contact within mixed flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish underparts and dusky-olive flanks; a crisp, solid black cap contrasts with a paler face and throat. Subtle pale supercilium and malar area; wings and tail darker with faint edging. Overall appearance is clean and unbarred, with a bright yet earthy tone typical of montane tanagers.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. Also takes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insects are less abundant. Will probe mosses and bromeliads for hidden prey and occasionally hawks short distances for flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory and edges of humid montane forest, including along bamboo thickets and mossy ravines. Frequently forages within mixed-species flocks where it exploits disturbed foliage layers.
