The yellow-crowned whitestart, Santa Marta whitestart or yellow-crowned redstart, is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It is endemic to the highland forest and woodland in the Santa Marta Mountains in Colombia.
Region
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Typical Environment
Restricted to humid montane and cloud forests of the isolated Santa Marta Mountains in northern Colombia. It favors mossy, mature forest and forest borders, as well as elfin scrub near treeline and adjacent secondary growth. Often occurs along ravines, stream edges, and in dense understory with bromeliads and bamboo. It regularly joins mixed-species flocks and uses edge habitats created by natural gaps.
Altitude Range
1800–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Santa Marta whitestart, this energetic warbler constantly flicks and fans its white-edged tail to flush hidden insects from foliage. Its bright yellow crown patch is unique within its isolated mountain range. Because it occurs only in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it is sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low sallies
Social Behavior
Commonly forages in pairs or family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Territorial during the breeding season, with pairs defending small patches of productive forest. Nests are typically well concealed in dense vegetation or banks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, sweet series of thin whistles and trills interspersed with sharper chips. Calls include sharp tsik notes used while foraging and contact calls within pairs or flocks.
