The golden-eyed flowerpiercer, also known as the deep-blue flowerpiercer, is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is found in humid Andean forests in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. It is the only species of flowerpiercer with bright yellow eyes.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of the Tropical Andes from southern Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to northern Bolivia. It favors forest edges, vine- and epiphyte-rich midstory, and shrubby clearings with abundant tubular flowers. The species will also use secondary growth, roadside hedges, and gardens near intact forest. Often associated with flowering plants such as Fuchsia and ericads where nectar is accessible via piercing.
Altitude Range
1600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking tanager is the only flowerpiercer with vivid yellow eyes, which stand out against its deep blue plumage. Like other flowerpiercers, it steals nectar by piercing the base of flowers with its hooked bill, often without pollinating them. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks in Andean cloud forests and can be quite active but unobtrusive in dense foliage.
Temperament
active and somewhat furtive; can be territorial around rich nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, darting movements between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, and regularly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Nest is a small cup placed in dense vegetation; the female leads most nest construction. Both parents are believed to feed the young, and pairs maintain small feeding territories when flowers are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseet and tsip notes, along with short buzzy trills. Song is modest and delivered from concealed perches within the midstory.
