The black-chinned mountain tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on humid montane slopes of Colombia and Ecuador, chiefly in epiphyte-rich cloud forests. It favors forest edges, clearings with fruiting trees, and mature secondary growth. The species is most active in the mid- to upper canopy but descends to forest borders and along roadsides where fruit is abundant. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but depends on extensive tracts of moist montane forest.
Altitude Range
1200–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This bright mountain tanager is a regular member of mixed-species flocks that roam Andean cloud-forest canopies. Its diagnostic black chin sets it apart from the similar Blue-winged Mountain Tanager. It often tracks fruiting trees and may shift elevation locally with seasonal food availability.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Likely monogamous, building a cup-shaped nest concealed in shrubs or trees. Territoriality is moderate, with tolerance of conspecifics at rich fruit sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of clear, thin whistles interspersed with sharp chips. The song is simple and melodic, delivered from mid-canopy perches, while contact calls are high-pitched and carry well through dense foliage.
Plumage
Bright, contrasting plumage with vivid yellow underparts and green-olive upperparts, accented by blue on the wings and tail. A distinct black chin and lower throat contrast with the face and breast. The feathers often show a sleek, glossy quality in good light.
Diet
Primarily takes small fruits and berries, often gleaned from clusters in the canopy. Supplements its diet with insects and other arthropods picked from leaves and twigs or captured by short sallies. Occasionally visits flowering trees for nectar and opportunistically takes soft invertebrates during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid- to upper-canopy of moist montane forest, especially at fruiting trees along edges and gaps. Also uses secondary forest and forested roadsides where fruit is accessible.
