The streak-crowned mountain tanager is a species of Neotropical bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. The streak-crowned mountain tanager is found only in north to south-central Peru. The streak-crowned mountain tanager is sometimes regarded as a subspecies of the buff-breasted mountain tanager but has been distinguished otherwise in 2023 by the International Ornithologists' Union.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, elfin forests, and forest edges along the east slope of the Peruvian Andes. It favors dense, moss-laden canopies with abundant epiphytes and fruiting trees. Birds often work along ridgelines, forest borders, and along forested ravines. They regularly join mixed-species flocks with other tanagers and insectivores while foraging in the midstory to canopy.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This recently recognized species (IOC 2023) was split from the Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager based on distinctive crown streaking, voice, and subtle plumage differences. It is confined to the Peruvian Andes and often travels with mixed-species flocks in mossy cloud forest canopies. Its limited range makes it potentially sensitive to ongoing cloud-forest fragmentation and climate shifts upslope.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, frequently joining mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. Breeding pairs are presumed monogamous and likely build a cup nest concealed in dense vegetation. Foraging is cooperative within flocks, with individuals moving methodically among fruiting branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of whistles and sibilant notes, often given from mid-canopy perches. Call notes are sharp chips that help maintain contact within mixed-species flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a buff to ochre breast and paler belly; crown distinctly streaked with dark lines over a paler ground. Wings and tail show bluish to slate edging; face slightly darker with subtle mask. Underparts smooth but warm-toned, contrasting with the cooler wings and back.
Diet
Takes a varied diet of small fruits and berries supplemented with arthropods gleaned from foliage and mossy branches. It will hover briefly to pick invertebrates and probes clusters of leaves and epiphytes. Seasonally, it follows fruiting trees and may increase insect intake when feeding young.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest, especially at forest edges and along gaps with fruiting shrubs. Frequently accompanies mixed flocks along ridgelines and mature secondary forest.
