The tanager finch is a songbird species. In spite of its common name, it is neither a tanager nor a finch, but a New World sparrow, having been moved to that family after variously being placed in either the Emberizidae or the true tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Oreothraupis. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the west and central slopes of the Andes in southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, favoring dense understory and bamboo (especially Chusquea) in primary and mature secondary forests. Regularly found along humid ravines, stream margins, and forest edges with thick cover. The range is patchy due to habitat fragmentation and it is scarce in heavily disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
1300–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, the tanager finch is not a true tanager or finch but a New World sparrow and the sole member of its genus. It is a shy understory specialist of Andean cloud forests, often associated with dense Chusquea bamboo. Habitat loss and fragmentation have caused population declines. It can join mixed-species flocks but is most often seen in pairs or small family groups.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups moving low in dense cover. Sometimes associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are placed low in thick vegetation or bamboo; both parents participate in care. Territorial during breeding but otherwise inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, high, tinkling whistles and thin trills delivered from low perches within cover. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft contact chips. Vocalizations carry surprisingly well through dense vegetation.
Plumage
Dense, smooth plumage with an olive- to brown-olive back, a contrasting dark hooded head, and rich rufous to cinnamon underparts. The face shows crisp white supercilium and malar lines framing the dark hood. The wings and tail are dusky with subtle edging; underparts can show buffy flanks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods gleaned from bamboo, mossy branches, and leaf litter. Also takes berries and small fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally probes clusters of dead leaves and sallies short distances to capture prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, particularly in Chusquea bamboo thickets and along humid ravines. Often keeps within 1–3 meters of the ground, using cover for protection while searching methodically.
