Carriker's mountain-tanager is a species of Neotropical bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. Carriker's mountain-tanager is found only in montane forest in Santa Marta, Colombia. The Carriker's mountain-tanager is sometimes regarded as a subspecies of the buff-breasted mountain tanager but has been distinguished otherwise in 2016 by the IUCN Red List. As of today, its population is in decline due to habitat damage by recreation, pollution, and climate change.
Region
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, northern Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, often near forest edges, in elfin forest, and in dense bamboo (Chusquea) thickets. It uses mid- to upper-canopy strata but will descend to feed at fruiting shrubs along gaps and trails. Secondary growth adjacent to intact forest can be used, though large, continuous tracts of mature forest are preferred. It is highly localized due to the isolated nature of the Santa Marta massif.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the American ornithologist M. A. Carriker Jr., this mountain-tanager is restricted to Colombia’s isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It was often treated as a subspecies of the Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. Ongoing habitat loss and degradation from agriculture, infrastructure, and climate change are the main threats, though some populations occur within protected areas.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between forest crowns
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are likely neat cups placed in dense vegetation or small trees, with both adults participating in care. Territoriality is moderate, with pairs defending small breeding areas within suitable forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of soft, clear whistles interspersed with thin, high-pitched notes. Calls include sharp chips and sibilant tseet notes given while foraging in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Robust mountain-tanager with rich blue upperparts, contrasting warm buff to ochre underparts, and a darker head. Wings and tail show deep blue tones with darker edging; underparts are clean buff with subtle olive wash on flanks. Overall appearance closely resembles Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager but with localized Santa Marta traits.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of small fruits and berries (including melastomes) and a variety of arthropods gleaned from foliage and small branches. It sometimes hawks short distances to snatch flying insects. At fruiting trees it may associate with other tanagers and flycatchers, exploiting seasonal pulses of resources.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid to upper canopy of humid montane forest, along edges, and in bamboo thickets. Also uses forest gaps, road margins, and shrubby clearings adjacent to intact forest.
