The golden-collared honeycreeper is an uncommon species of Neotropical bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Iridophanes.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily on the eastern Andean foothills from southern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru. Favors humid foothill and montane forests, especially mature and secondary forest canopies and edges. It frequently forages in the upper strata, along forest gaps, and at flowering trees. The species is generally local and uncommon across its range but can be more regular where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
500–1600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This uncommon Neotropical tanager is the sole member of the genus Iridophanes. Males are striking with a vivid golden collar, while females are greenish and more subdued. It forages high in the canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks. Despite the name “honeycreeper,” it is a tanager that supplements nectar with insects and small fruits.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy crowns
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are placed high in dense foliage, with both parents participating in care. Breeding biology is poorly documented, but behavior suggests typical tanager parental roles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tseets and brief twittering phrases. Song is modest and sporadic, more often a series of contact notes given while foraging with flocks.
Plumage
Male is glossy blue to blue-black with a vivid golden-yellow collar encircling the neck; female is greenish above with a yellowish throat and paler underparts. Both sexes show a slender, slightly decurved bill suited to probing flowers. Plumage appears iridescent in good light, especially in the male.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, using its slightly curved bill to probe blossoms. Supplements nectar with small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small fruits and berries when available, especially at forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Primarily feeds in the upper canopy and along forest edges and gaps where flowers are abundant. Will visit second-growth and semi-open areas if suitable nectar sources are present.
