The golden-naped tanager is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is found in South America from Colombia to Bolivia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from Colombia through Ecuador and Peru into western Bolivia, mainly on humid Andean slopes. Prefers subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, especially cloud forests with abundant fruiting trees. Common along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth, and will visit gardens near intact habitat. Often forages in the midstory to canopy, moving quickly in small groups or mixed flocks.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking Andean tanager often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest canopy, which helps it find food and avoid predators. Both sexes look similar, but males can appear slightly brighter. It is adaptable to forest edges and secondary growth, which has helped keep its populations stable despite habitat changes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently travels in pairs or small groups and readily joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Likely monogamous, building a cup nest concealed in dense foliage; both parents feed the young. Foraging is fast-paced, with brief pauses to pick fruit or glean insects.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high, tinkling series of notes interspersed with soft trills. Calls include sharp, high tseep and twittering contact notes used while moving in flocks.
Plumage
Glossy blue to turquoise body with darker, almost black, mask and back, and a distinct golden patch on the nape. Feathers show subtle greenish and azure edging on the wings and mantle, giving a scaled sheen. Underparts are bright bluish with darker flanks; tail and wings contrast with dark centers and blue margins.
Diet
Eats small fruits and berries from a variety of montane trees and shrubs. Supplements with insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. Will occasionally take nectar and small seeds, especially when fruit availability is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest, along edges, and in secondary growth. Often concentrates at fruiting trees and follows mixed flocks through the canopy strata.
