Scarlet-bellied mountain tanager

The scarlet-bellied mountain tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Andean forest, woodland and shrub in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It is sometimes split into two species: The scarlet-bellied mountain tanager ranging north from central Peru, and the fire-bellied mountain tanager ranging south from central Peru. The latter has a lighter, more orangish belly than the former.

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Distribution

Region

Andes Mountains

Typical Environment

Occurs from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia, inhabiting humid montane forests, elfin forest, and shrubland at high elevations. It favors forest edges, clearings with fruiting trees, and secondary growth, as well as Polylepis woodlands where available. Birds typically use the midstory to canopy but will descend to feed at roadside vegetation. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided fruiting shrubs and trees remain.

Altitude Range

1800–4000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size18–20 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.05 kg

Female Weight0.048 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This striking Andean tanager is famed for its vivid scarlet belly set against dark blue-black upperparts. It forages actively in pairs or small groups, often joining mixed-species flocks in mossy cloud forests. Some authorities split southern populations as the fire-bellied mountain tanager, which shows a paler, more orangish belly. It performs local elevational movements but is generally non-migratory.

Gallery

Scarlet-bellied mountain-tanager in Yanacocha Ecuador

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often travels in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks moving along forest edges. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care. Territoriality is moderate, with soft chases around rich fruiting resources.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of thin, tinkling notes and short, descending phrases delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp tsip or tsee notes and soft chatters when in flocks.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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Scarlet-breasted fruiteater

The scarlet-breasted fruiteater is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru where its natural habitat is subtropical and tropical moist montane forests. Two subspecies are recognised though some researchers consider these should be regarded as distinct species. It is a plump green bird with a black head, the males having red throats and the females yellow. It is a relatively common species with a wide range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being "least concern".

Scarlet-chested parrot

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