Flame-faced Tanager
NameFlame-faced Tanager
Common NameFlame-faced Tanager
Scientific NameTangara parzudakii
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)21
Plumage DetailsMales display a brilliant orange-yellow face with a distinct black mask extending from the lores through the eye and onto the ear coverts, topped by an orange-red crown. The back, wings, and tail are primarily black, featuring a broad pale green stripe on the mantle and a prominent turquoise-blue patch on the greater coverts and tertials. Underparts are yellowish-green, transitioning to rufous-brown on the flanks and vent. Females are similar but generally duller in coloration.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin, sibilant 'tsit-tsit-tsit' calls, often given in a rapid series. They also produce a short, buzzy song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes mountains, ranging from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador, south into northern Peru. It inhabits humid montane forests at elevations typically between 1,000 and 2,500 meters.
Identifying FeaturesBright orange-yellow face, Black mask, Orange-red crown, Pale green mantle stripe, Turquoise-blue wing patch
Description
This strikingly colorful tanager is known for its vibrant orange-yellow face, black mask, and iridescent green and blue plumage. It typically forages for fruits and insects in the canopy and subcanopy of humid montane forests, often in mixed-species flocks. Its brilliant coloration makes it a sought-after sight in its Andean habitat.
