Dubusia stictocephala
The Streak-crowned Mountain Tanager (*Dubusia stictocephala*) is a captivating neotropical songbird, instantly recognizable by its striking plumage and distinctive name-sake crest. Measuring approximately 17 cm (6.7 inches) in length and weighing between 26-30 grams, this medium-sized tanager boasts a brilliant yellow-orange crown heavily streaked with black, set against a contrasting black facial mask. Its upperparts are a deep blue-gray, while the underparts transition from a vivid yellow t...
Found in high-altitude humid montane and elfin forests, forest edges, and bushy clearings, typically at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 3,500 meters (7,500 to 11,500 feet).
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods and insects gleaned from foliage and mossy branches, supplemented with small fruits and berries.
This diurnal tanager is frequently observed foraging actively in the middle to upper strata of the forest canopy, often clinging to mossy branches or hanging upside down to glean food. They are highly social, typically seen in pairs or small family groups, and commonly join large, diverse mixed-s...
The Streak-crowned Mountain Tanager is a resident species endemic to the Andes of northwestern South America. Its primary distribution extends from southern Colombia, through the majority of the Ecuadorian Andes, and into the extreme northern regions of Peru. In Colombia, populations are found on...
Least Concern
- The scientific name *stictocephala* is derived from Greek, meaning 'spotted head,' a direct reference to its distinctive streaked crown. - It is a quintessential member of the dynamic mixed-species flocks that are a hallmark of Andean cloud forests. - Despite its vibrant plumage, its habit of f...