The masked flowerpiercer is a species of bird in the tanager family, Thraupidae. It is found in humid montane forest and scrub in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Flowerpiercers got their name from the fact that they have a sharp hook on the tip of their upper mandible which they use to slice open the base of flowers to get at the nectar.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the humid Andean slope from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to Peru and Bolivia. It favors cloud-forest edges, secondary growth, elfin forest, and shrubby clearings rich in blossoms. The species readily uses disturbed habitats with flowering shrubs and sometimes visits high-elevation gardens. It is generally common where suitable montane vegetation persists and often forages at forest borders and along roadsides.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This vivid blue tanager has a distinctive black facial mask and striking red eyes. Its finely hooked upper mandible lets it pierce the base of flowers to sip nectar—a behavior called nectar robbing. It often joins mixed-species flocks in Andean cloud forests and can be surprisingly bold around flowering shrubs. Despite its nectar habit, it also takes small insects, making it an adaptable forager.
Temperament
active and bold, sometimes aggressive at flowering shrubs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darts between perches and flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but commonly associates with mixed-species flocks in the midstory and canopy. Breeding pairs defend small areas around rich flower patches. Nests are placed in dense vegetation, with both parents involved in care. Territoriality increases during breeding when floral resources are concentrated.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high, thin, somewhat musical whistles and short trills, often delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp, sibilant tsit or tsee notes used while foraging and in contact with flock mates.
Plumage
Velvety deep blue body with darker, almost blackish, face and forecrown creating a mask; wings and tail slightly duskier with blue edgings.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar by piercing the corolla bases of tubular flowers, often targeting plants such as Fuchsia. Also gleans small insects and spiders from leaves and twigs and may sally short distances to catch flying prey. Small fruits and berries are taken opportunistically, especially when flowers are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, flowering thickets, secondary growth, and roadsides where nectar sources are abundant. Frequently visits shrubs in the midstory and canopy and may appear in high-elevation gardens and hedgerows.
