The straw-backed tanager, also known as the green-throated tanager, is a species of bird in the tanager family. It is found in humid highland forests in the Andes of southernmost Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, but it is generally local and uncommon.
Region
Central Andes (southern Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia)
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and cloud forests on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Most frequently seen in the mid to upper canopy along forest edges, gaps, and near fruiting trees. It tolerates selectively logged forest but declines in heavily degraded or fragmented habitats. Locally distributed and generally uncommon throughout its range.
Altitude Range
1000–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the green-throated tanager, this striking Andean songbird is local and uncommon, often detected by its soft, sibilant calls as it moves with mixed-species flocks. It favors humid cloud forests on the east slope of the Andes, where it forages high in the canopy. Habitat loss from deforestation is the main concern across its fragmented range.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through canopy
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, moving methodically along branches and outer foliage. Usually seen in pairs or small groups within these flocks. Nests are presumed to be small, cup-like structures placed in dense vegetation, with both parents likely attending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin, and sibilant, consisting of high-pitched tseeps and delicate twittering phrases. Song is understated and easily overlooked amid louder flock companions.
Plumage
Contrasting straw-yellow back over darker blue-green upperparts, with a vivid green throat and darker bluish underparts. Wings and tail are dusky with bluish edging; crown and face dusky to dark. Overall appearance is a high-contrast, glossy tanager with a pale back patch.
Diet
Takes small fruits and berries from the canopy, often plucking and swallowing them whole. Supplements fruit with arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. May hover briefly to pick items from foliage and occasionally takes nectar or soft plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the mid to upper canopy of humid montane forest, especially at forest edges, gaps, and along fruiting trees. Often forages alongside other tanagers, furnariids, and flycatchers within mixed-species flocks.
