The grey-hooded bush tanager is a species of South American bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Cnemoscopus. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests, especially cloud forests with abundant epiphytes. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings with tall shrubs, and dense Chusquea bamboo stands. It forages from the lower midstory to the canopy, often in mixed-species flocks. Also found in secondary growth and along roadsides within the montane belt.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-hooded bush tanager is the sole member of the genus Cnemoscopus and is widespread along the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through mossy midstory and bamboo thickets. Its bright orange to reddish bill is a standout field mark against the slate-gray head. It thrives in humid montane forests and edges, including secondary growth.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between shrubs and midstory perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and very frequently within mixed-species flocks. Builds cup nests concealed in dense vegetation typical of montane habitats. Territoriality is moderate, with foraging ranges overlapping in flock contexts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin, high-pitched chips and twitters delivered in short series. Calls are contact notes used to stay connected within mixed flocks, with a gentle, sibilant quality.
Plumage
Slate-gray hood and throat contrasting with olive-green upperparts; underparts yellowish to yellow-olive with duskier flanks. Wings and tail are dusky with subtle pale edging; overall appearance is crisp and clean with a clear hooded look.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, along with berries and small fruits. Often joins mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects and shared feeding opportunities. Will probe bamboo and epiphyte-laden branches for hidden prey. Fruit intake increases when available seasonally.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest, forest edges, and bamboo thickets. Frequently forages along trails, roadsides, and in secondary growth where insect and fruit resources are concentrated.
