Iridosornis porphyrocephalus
The Purplish-mantled Tanager, *Iridosornis porphyrocephalus*, is a stunning jewel of the Andean cloud forests, measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 22-25 grams. Its most striking field mark is a brilliant golden-yellow crown patch, contrasting sharply with a velvety black face and throat. The species boasts an iridescent purplish-blue mantle and back, which transitions to dark blue-gray on its underparts, creating a subtle yet captivating plumage. A ...
This tanager primarily inhabits humid subtropical and tropical montane cloud forests, forest borders, and clearings, often preferring areas with moss-laden trees. It typically occurs at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters, occasionally venturing lower to 1,200 meters or higher to 3,000 ...
Its diet consists primarily of small fruits and berries, supplemented significantly by insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark.
The Purplish-mantled Tanager is a diurnal bird, spending its days actively foraging, often as a key component of mixed-species flocks alongside other tanagers, warblers, and furnariids. It employs a gleaning strategy, methodically searching foliage, moss, and bark for insects and larvae, and will...
The Purplish-mantled Tanager is a resident species, endemic to the humid montane forests of the western and central Andes. Its primary distribution extends from western Colombia, through the departments of Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Nariño. From Colombia, its range ...
Least Concern
- The Purplish-mantled Tanager is often considered an 'honorary warbler' due to its active foraging style and propensity to join mixed-species flocks with smaller insectivores. - Its brilliant golden crown patch is often the first, and sometimes only, feature observed by birders in the dense clou...