photo #9360026

Golden-crowned Tanager. The Golden-crowned Tanager (Iridosornis rufivertex) is a striking bird from the Andes, known for its deep violet-blue body, black head, and bright golden crown, with rufous undertail coverts. Found in subtropical and tropical montane forests from Venezuela to Peru, it lives in pairs or small groups, often foraging in mixed-species flocks near the treeline. Key Characteristics: Appearance: Deep violet-blue body, black head and throat, bright golden crown, and tawny/rufous undertail coverts. Habitat: Moist montane forests in the Andes, from Venezuela to Peru, often near the treeline. Behavior: Social, found in pairs or small groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Diet: Forages for insects in low-stature woodlands. Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). 📸: @andresbirding