The Santa Marta mountain tanager, also known as the black-cheeked mountain tanager, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to highland forest in the Santa Marta Mountains in Colombia. It is closely related to the widespread lacrimose mountain tanager, but the distributions of the two do not overlap.
Region
Northern Colombia (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and elfin forest within the isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif. It favors dense, moss-laden canopy and subcanopy with abundant epiphytes and fruiting trees. The species also uses second-growth and forest borders where mature trees remain. It is typically found in pairs or small groups and frequently associates with mixed foraging flocks.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the black-cheeked mountain tanager, it is confined to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia. It often joins mixed-species flocks in mossy cloud forests, where its bright colors and distinctive cheek patch stand out. Despite its small range, it can be fairly common in suitable habitat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. Territoriality is moderate around nesting areas but relaxed while foraging in flocks. Nests are cup-shaped and placed well above ground in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched whistles and tinkling phrases delivered from mid to upper canopy. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used to stay in touch within flocks.
