The golden-backed mountain tanager is an endangered species of bird in the tanager family. This large and brightly colored tanager is endemic to elfin forests in the Andean highlands of central Peru. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs locally in the central Peruvian Andes, mainly in stunted, mossy elfin and cloud forests near treeline. It favors ridgelines, forest edges, and gaps with dense epiphytes and bamboo. Small Polylepis or montane shrub thickets are also used, especially where adjacent to intact elfin woodland. The species is patchy and scarce, tracking fruiting shrubs and arthropod availability within its limited habitat.
Altitude Range
3000–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking Andean tanager, it is confined to tiny patches of high, mossy elfin forest in central Peru. Its gleaming golden back contrasts with darker head and cool-toned underparts, making it one of the most distinctive mountain tanagers. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving deliberately through epiphyte-laden branches. Ongoing habitat loss at treeline makes its restricted range especially vulnerable.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between trees
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy and midstory. Nests are believed to be placed in dense mossy tangles or shrubs near treeline. Territoriality is moderate, with pairs defending small core areas within suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft series of thin, clear whistles delivered from mid to upper canopy perches. Calls include high, metallic seeps and short chatter notes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Large mountain tanager with a brilliant golden-yellow back and mantle contrasting with a darker hood and rich bluish to slate underparts. Wings and tail are darker with subtle bluish tones, and feathers often edged, giving a slightly scalloped look in good light. Overall appearance is high-contrast and luminous on the back.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries (especially melastomes) and arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and flies. It gleans methodically among mosses, bromeliads, and lichens and may sally short distances to snatch insects. Seasonal fruit peaks can shape local movements, while insects provide protein for breeding.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of moss-laden elfin forest and along edges and gaps. Frequently uses epiphyte-rich branches and bamboo clumps where prey is abundant.
