The orange-eared tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Tropical Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid foothill and montane forests of the Andes from western Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to northern Bolivia. Prefers mossy, mature cloud forests but also uses edges and tall secondary growth. Most activity is in the mid to upper canopy, where it joins mixed-species flocks. It is locally fairly common where intact forest remains.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The orange-eared tanager is a vibrant Andean songbird named for its striking orange ear-coverts set against a bright green body. It often travels with mixed-species flocks high in humid montane forests, where it gleans small fruits and arthropods. Though generally common in suitable habitat, it is sensitive to deforestation; protected cloud-forest reserves are important for its long-term persistence.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently joins mixed-species canopy flocks and forages in small groups or pairs. During breeding, pairs become more territorial around nest sites. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed well above ground in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of chips and twitters interspersed with soft, sibilant whistles. Calls are often given while moving with flocks high in the canopy and can be easily overlooked in windy cloud-forest conditions.
Plumage
Mostly bright emerald-green with a conspicuous orange patch on the ear-coverts; wings and tail slightly darker with a subtle gloss. Underparts green to yellow-green; females are slightly duller. Overall sleek, smooth plumage typical of canopy tanagers.
Diet
Takes small fruits and berries, especially from canopy fruiting trees and epiphyte-laden branches. Gleans insects and other arthropods from leaves and twigs and occasionally hover-gleans to pick prey from foliage. Diet composition varies with seasonal fruit availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy of humid montane and foothill forests. Also uses forest edges and tall secondary growth near intact forest.
