Grand tangara coloré que l'on ne trouve que dans les montagnes de Santa Marta en Colombie. Notez le masque noir, le point jaune derrière l'œil et la couronne azur ; le plumage est par ailleurs bleu et jaune. Habituellement observé dans la canopée de la forêt nuageuse, souvent en couple, il se joint régulièrement à des troupeaux d'espèces mixtes. Il est plutôt silencieux pour un gardien de montagne, et se contente généralement d'émettre de douces notes d'aiguilles. Il est assez commun dans les parties supérieures de la réserve naturelle d'El Dorado.
Habitats et répartition
The Santa Marta Mountain Tanager thrives in humid montane forests, often found in the subtropical and tropical regions of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia. This bird typically inhabits elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,200 meters. It favors dense, moss-laden forests with abundant understory vegetation, frequently frequenting edges and clearings where food resources like fruits and insects are more accessible. Its distribution is highly localized, limited to the isolated Santa Marta mountain range, which is known for its rich biodiversity and high endemism. This area provides a unique ecological niche, supporting diverse flora and fauna, which are essential for the survival of this particular tanager species. Despite its limited range, the specialized habitat of the Santa Marta Mountain Tanager plays a critical role in sustaining its population.
Comportements et reproduction
The Santa Marta Mountain Tanager exhibits monogamous mating habits, forming long-term pair bonds with a single mate. During the breeding season, both males and females participate in nest-building, typically choosing concealed locations within dense foliage to construct cup-shaped nests. The female usually lays a clutch of 2-3 eggs, which she incubates while the male provides food and protection. Socially, these tanagers are often seen in small family groups or mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season, indicating a level of social flexibility. Parental care is a cooperative effort; both parents feed and tend to the chicks until they fledge. One unique reproductive strategy is their high-altitude nesting preference, which may help reduce predation risk and ensure a stable microclimate for the developing young.
Régime alimentaire
Fruits, insectes
Couleurs
Bleu, noir, blanc
Faits amusants
Il est endémique des montagnes de Santa Marta et est très bien adapté à l'environnement de haute altitude, avec une construction robuste et des techniques de recherche de nourriture efficaces.
Statut de conservation et efforts
The Santa Marta Mountain Tanager is experiencing a population decline primarily due to habitat loss driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and human settlement. The bird is currently listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List, reflecting these ongoing threats to its limited range in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Conservation efforts for the species include habitat protection through the establishment of protected areas and ecological reserves. There is also a focus on reforestation and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate further habitat degradation. Local and international organizations are working to raise awareness and involve the local community in conservation actions. Research and monitoring programs are essential to track the population trends and the effectiveness of implemented measures.
