The masked mountain tanager is a vulnerable species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Tephrophilus. This large and colourful tanager is endemic to elfin forest, woodland and shrub in the Andean highlands of southern Colombia, Ecuador and northern Peru. It is generally rare or uncommon, and is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Andean highlands from southern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru, where it inhabits elfin forest, stunted cloud forest edges, and shrubby páramo ecotones. It prefers humid, moss-laden thickets and canopy tangles, often near forest borders and ridgelines. The distribution is naturally fragmented by topography and suitable habitat patches. It is typically rare to uncommon across its range and highly sensitive to forest degradation.
Altitude Range
2500–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The masked mountain tanager is a large, colorful Andean tanager and the sole member of the genus Tephrophilus. It favors elfin and high-montane cloud forests with dense mossy growth and often travels in mixed-species flocks. Its range is patchy and it is generally uncommon, with habitat loss posing the main threat. The bird’s name refers to its distinctive dark facial mask.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Most often seen in pairs or small family groups, frequently joining mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy and forest edge. Nesting likely occurs in dense vegetation or mossy tangles typical of high-montane forests. Territorial defense appears moderate, with pairs maintaining space within suitable habitat patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and chip notes, delivered from mid to upper canopy. Calls can be sharp and penetrating, aiding contact in dense, misty habitat.
