The brown-flanked tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in inter-Andean valleys and the slopes of the Peruvian Andes, favoring dry to semi-humid montane scrub, thickets, and woodland edges. It uses hedgerows and second-growth near agriculture where native shrubs persist. Birds forage from the understory to mid-canopy, often along scrubby ravines. It may accompany mixed flocks through edge habitats and transitional zones between scrub and woodland.
Altitude Range
1500–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This understated tanager is found only in Peru, where it frequents scrubby slopes and edges of montane woodland. Its warm brown flanks give the species its name and help it blend into dry, brushy habitats. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through foliage in search of small fruits and insects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in montane scrub and edge habitats. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed in dense shrubs or low trees. Pairs defend small territories during breeding but are otherwise tolerant of conspecifics.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a light, twittering series of thin notes and soft trills delivered from low to mid-level perches. Calls are sharp chips and thin tsit notes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Subtle, earthy tones with brownish-olive upperparts and distinctly warmer brown flanks contrasting a paler buffy belly and throat. The head is grayish to olive-gray with a faint pale supercilium and slightly duskier ear-coverts. Wings and tail are dusky with lighter edging.
Diet
Consumes small fruits and berries along with a variety of arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Will probe clusters of foliage and occasionally sally short distances to snatch insects. Seasonal availability of berries can influence its local movements and flocking behavior.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along scrubby hillsides, woodland edges, and hedgerows, often where native shrubs like Miconia and other berry-bearing plants are common. Also forages in secondary growth adjacent to agricultural clearings if cover remains.
