The blue-browed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests on the Andean slopes of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Favors mature, humid forest with abundant epiphytes, as well as edges and tall secondary growth. Commonly forages in the midstory to canopy, especially at fruiting trees. It uses forested ravines and cloud forest mosaics and typically avoids open lowland habitats.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-browed tanager is a striking Andean tanager noted for its vivid blue eyebrow (supercilium) contrasting with darker facial plumage. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through the canopy in search of fruit and insects. Its presence is a good indicator of healthy, humid montane forest. Despite its bright colors, it can be surprisingly cryptic in dense foliage.
Tangara cyanotis melanotis & Tangara cyanotis cyanotis
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating bouts
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs are territorial around nest sites, constructing a small cup-shaped nest concealed in dense foliage. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of high-pitched notes, interspersed with short trills. Calls are sharp, sibilant tsee or tsee-tit chips used to maintain contact within flocks.
Plumage
Compact tanager with a vivid blue eyebrow above a darker facial area, greenish upperparts, and contrasting brighter tones on the head and wings. Underparts are moderately bright with subtle contrasting tones, and wing coverts often edged with blue.
Diet
Feeds on small fruits and berries, often plucking them while hovering or gleaning from foliage. Supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Occasionally sips nectar or probes flowers when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the midstory and canopy, especially at fruiting trees along forest edges and gaps. Frequently accompanies mixed flocks to exploit ephemeral food sources efficiently.
