Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager
Anisognathus igniventris
Order: Passeriformes / Family: Thraupidae
Wikimedia Commons
About the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris) is a vibrant member of the Thraupidae family, renowned for its striking contrast of deep black and vivid red plumage. This species thrives in the montane cloud forests of the Andes, stretching from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador, Peru, and northern Bolivia. These ecosystems, rich in biodiversity, provide the ideal environment for the tanager, which plays a key role as both predator and seed disperser. Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers are particularly significant in their ecological niche, as they contribute to the control of insect populations and the regeneration of forest vegetation through seed dispersal. During the breeding season, which aligns with the rainy months of November to March in the Southern Hemisphere, these birds become especially active. Their vibrant colors and lively behavior make them a favorite among bird watchers and naturalists visiting the Andean regions. As the seasons change, the tanagers adapt to variations in food availability, shifting their diet from primarily insects to include more fruits when the insect population declines. Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers are integral to the montane ecosystems where they reside, aiding in maintaining ecological balance and promoting forest health. Their presence is indicative of a healthy forest environment. These birds are often observed moving in mixed-species flocks, a behavior that enhances foraging efficiency and offers protection against predators. This social structure is vital for their survival in the dense and often unpredictable cloud forest habitat. The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager's adaptability to seasonal changes in food sources demonstrates its resilience and its essential role in the montane forest ecosystem. Their vibrant plumage not only aids in species identification but also serves as a visual reminder of the rich biodiversity contained within these Andean habitats.
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager belongs to the family Thraupidae, within the order Passeriformes. These birds typically live average 5-6 years, with a maximum recorded of 9 years..
How to Identify a Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager is easily identifiable by its dramatic coloration. Adult birds display a rich, velvety black on the head, back, and wings, sharply contrasted by a brilliant scarlet belly and undertail coverts. The lower back and rump are a striking cobalt blue, a feature that sets this species apart from many other tanagers. Juveniles, however, exhibit duller colors with less pronounced red and more muted blue tones, which gradually intensify as they mature. Males and females appear similar in size and coloration, making gender differentiation in the field challenging without behavioral observation. Compared to similar species, such as the Hooded Mountain-Tanager, the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager's red belly is a definitive field mark. In flight, the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager presents a robust silhouette with broad wings and a relatively short tail. When perched, the bird often appears stout, with a posture that highlights its vivid coloration. Observers should note the bird's active foraging behavior, often involving quick, darting movements through dense foliage.
Having trouble telling birds apart? Upload a photo to our bird identification tool for an instant species match.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Habitat and Range
Preferred Habitat
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers prefer the humid, montane cloud forests of the Andes, typically thriving at elevations between 1,800 and 3,500 meters. These habitats are characterized by dense vegetation, frequent mist, and significant rainfall, providing ideal conditions for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Within these cloud forests, the tanager often frequents the mid-story and canopy layers, where it forages for food. Seasonal habitat shifts are minimal for this species, as it tends to remain within the bounds of the montane forests year-round. While primarily found in rural and undisturbed forest environments, the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager occasionally ventures into semi-urbanized areas near forest edges, adapting to changes in land use where necessary.
Geographic Range
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager's range spans several Andean countries. Its breeding range is extensive, covering regions from western Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and into northern Bolivia. These birds prefer the montane forests and are particularly concentrated in regions such as the Western and Central Andes of Colombia and the eastern Andean slopes of Ecuador and Peru. While the species is not migratory, it may exhibit altitudinal movements in response to seasonal food availability, moving slightly lower during times of food scarcity. Population density is highest in areas where forest habitats remain intact and undisturbed, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in these regions to maintain healthy populations.
Want to know which birds visit your area? Browse our backyard birds by location guides for region-specific species lists.
What Does the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Eat?
The diet of the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager primarily consists of insects and a variety of fruits. Insects, which provide necessary protein, form the bulk of their diet during the breeding season when energy demands are high. The tanager actively forages in the mid-story and canopy, employing a technique known as 'gleaning' to pick insects off leaves and branches. During the non-breeding season, the diet shifts to include more fruits, taking advantage of the abundant fruiting trees and shrubs within the cloud forest. The size of prey ranges from small beetles to caterpillars, while fruits consumed include those from the Melastomataceae and Ericaceae families. These birds typically feed during the early morning and late afternoon, times when insect activity peaks and fruit availability is high.
Want to attract Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers to your yard? See our recommended feeders and seed types for the best results.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Behavior and Social Structure
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers exhibit robust social behavior, often forming mixed-species flocks with other tanager species, warblers, and flycatchers. This flocking behavior enhances foraging efficiency and offers a measure of protection against predators such as hawks and falcons. The species displays territorial behavior during the breeding season, with pairs defending nesting territories against intruders. Courtship displays are subtle and include mutual preening and feeding behaviors. The tanagers are diurnal, with peak activity occurring during the early morning and late afternoon when they engage in foraging and social interactions. In response to predators, the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager employs alarm calls and takes cover in dense foliage, demonstrating an acute awareness of its surroundings.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Nesting and Reproduction
The nesting habits of the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager involve constructing a cup-shaped nest composed of moss, grass, and small twigs. These nests are typically situated in the forks of trees or shrubs, often well-concealed among dense vegetation to evade predators. The female usually lays a clutch of two to three eggs, which she incubates over a period of approximately 14 to 16 days. During this time, the male plays a crucial role in feeding the female and guarding the nest. Once hatched, the fledglings remain in the nest for about two weeks before venturing out. Both parents actively participate in feeding and caring for the young until they are fully fledged. The species typically raises one to two broods per year, depending on food availability and environmental conditions.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Sounds and Vocalizations
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager's primary song consists of a series of melodious whistles, interspersed with trills and short, sharp notes. The song is delivered at a moderate pace and varies slightly between individuals, making it a useful tool for mate attraction and territory defense. Call notes are shorter and more abrupt, often used to maintain contact within flocks or signal alarm at the presence of predators. During the early morning, these tanagers participate in a dawn chorus, where their songs mingle with those of other species, creating a complex tapestry of sound within the forest.
Interesting Facts About the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager
- 1The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager can often be seen traveling in mixed flocks, sometimes with up to 20 other bird species.
- 2Despite their vibrant colors, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers blend well into their forest environment, making them more challenging to spot than one might expect.
- 3These tanagers perform a unique foraging behavior known as 'hover-gleaning,' where they hover briefly to pluck insects from leaves.
- 4Their nests are predominantly made of moss, which helps with camouflage and moisture retention in their humid habitat.
- 5Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers have been observed at elevations as high as 3,500 meters, adapting well to the thin air of the high Andes.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Conservation Status
Currently, the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. The population trend appears stable, although habitat destruction due to deforestation poses a significant threat. Conservation efforts focus on preserving the montane forests that are crucial to this species' survival. Regional conservation programs aim to protect large swathes of cloud forest, ensuring that the ecological conditions necessary for the tanager and other forest dwellers are maintained. Historical population data suggest fluctuations in numbers corresponding to habitat loss and recovery, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation measures.
Attracting Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers to Your Feeder
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders across its range. At the Eye On The Fly feeding station, we observe Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers regularly and capture footage with our feeder cameras.
