Anisognathus igniventris
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris) is a striking passerine bird, a true jewel of the high Andean cloud forests. Measuring approximately 18-19 cm in length and weighing between 30-40 grams, its most distinctive feature is the dramatic contrast between its glossy deep blue to black upperparts and the fiery scarlet of its underparts, often with a subtle white or yellow vent. A bright yellow patch on the flight feathers, visible in flight or when the wings are spread,...
Found in humid montane evergreen forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, often frequenting bushy ravines and areas with bamboo. It inhabits elevations typically between 1,800 to 3,500 meters.
Primarily omnivorous, its diet consists of a balanced mix of arthropods (such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants) and various fruits, with occasional consumption of nectar. It forages by gleaning from foliage, snatching insects in flight, and probing into crevices.
This diurnal species is active throughout the day, often observed foraging in the mid-story and canopy of its forest habitat. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, a common strategy in Andean cloud forests, moving energetically through foliage to glean insects and snatch fruit. While specific...
The Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager is a resident species distributed throughout the Andes Mountains of South America, with no significant migratory movements. Its range extends from the Central and Eastern Cordilleras of Colombia, south through both the western and eastern slopes of the Andes i...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'igniventris' literally translates to 'fire-bellied,' a perfect descriptor for its striking plumage. - It is one of four species in the genus *Anisognathus*, all known for their vibrant colors and montane habitats. - This tanager is a common member of mixed-species foraging ...