The moss-backed tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Chocó bioregion of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist forests on the Pacific (Chocó) slopes of the Western Andes. It favors humid foothill and lower montane forest with abundant epiphytes and mossy limbs, including forest edges and well-vegetated ravines. Birds typically keep to the midstory and canopy, occasionally descending to fruiting shrubs along trails or clearings. It can persist in partially degraded forest but is most frequent in intact, mature habitat.
Altitude Range
300–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The moss-backed tanager is a striking Chocó-region bird that often travels with mixed-species flocks in humid foothill and montane forests. Its mossy-green upperparts help it blend into epiphyte-laden branches where it forages for fruit and insects. It is generally shy, keeping to the midstory and canopy. Habitat loss in the Chocó threatens many associates of this ecosystem, so local protections are important.
Temperament
shy and canopy-leaning
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through the midstory and canopy while foraging. Pairs or small family groups are typical outside of mixed flocks. Nests are placed in well-concealed sites in dense vegetation, and breeding behavior is discreet.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of thin, high notes delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp chips and slightly buzzy notes used to keep contact while moving with flocks.
Plumage
Upperparts are rich, mossy green with a soft, velvety look; underparts are cooler-toned with bluish to greenish hues. The head is slightly duskier than the mantle, and the belly often shows a cooler blue-green contrast to the back. Feathers can show subtle scalloping on the mantle in good light.
Diet
Consumes a variety of small fruits and berries, often gleaned from epiphyte-laden branches. Supplements fruit with arthropods, gleaning insects and spiders from foliage and twigs. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flushed prey and will join mixed flocks to exploit ephemeral food sources.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of humid foothill and lower montane forests, especially where mosses and epiphytes are abundant. Also visits edges and gaps with fruiting shrubs and trees, and sometimes shade-grown agroforestry patches adjacent to forest.
