The fulvous-headed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the Venezuelan Coastal Range and far northern Colombia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Venezuelan Coastal Range and extends into far northern Colombia, including isolated humid montane slopes. It frequents subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, forest edges, and shrubby second growth. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats and old clearings with regenerating vegetation. It typically uses mid-level to upper understory strata while foraging and moves along edges, ravines, and gaps.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tanager is named for its distinctive warm fulvous (tawny-orange) head, which contrasts with its grayer body. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through mid-story and edge vegetation in search of insects and small fruits. The species tolerates secondary growth and heavily degraded forest, which helps explain its relatively secure status. Its song is a simple, thin series of chirps and trills that can be overlooked among louder montane species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or small trees, with breeding timed to local rainy seasons. Territoriality is moderate; pairs maintain small breeding territories while still joining loose foraging flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, tinkling series of chips and light trills, sometimes delivered in short phrases. Calls are high-pitched contact notes used to keep in touch while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Head and throat rich fulvous, contrasting with gray-olive upperparts and paler, buffy whitish underparts. Wings and tail are dusky with subtle edging; sometimes faint wingbars may be visible. Overall appearance is warm-headed with a cleaner, lighter belly.
Diet
Eats small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, supplemented by small fruits and berries. It forages methodically through mid-level foliage, occasionally making short sallies to snatch prey. Seasonal fruiting events can increase frugivory, while insect intake rises during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, secondary growth, and clearings with shrubs and vine tangles. Often uses mid-story and lower canopy strata and follows mixed flocks through disturbed montane habitats.
