Ochre-breasted Tanager

Overview

The ochre-breasted tanager (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae. It is a fairly common species with a stable population, rated as being of 'least concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Identification

• Approximately 18 cm in length with drab olive-green upper parts.
• Underparts are ochraceous buff with olive shading on the flanks and breast, and the throat is the palest region.
• Iris is pale bluish-grey; Colombian birds show slight grey shading on the head.
• Distinguished from similar species by brown-tinged underparts and the lack of a yellow eye ring.

Habitat

Native to the western slopes of the Andes, ranging from the Chocó Department of Colombia to the El Oro Province of Ecuador. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, typically between 400 and 1,500 m elevation.

Diet

The diet consists mostly of fruit, flowers, and insects. It forages in small, noisy groups of up to a dozen birds moving through the forest understorey, occasionally joining mixed flocks with other species.

Did you know?

In the early morning, one or more birds perch in prominent positions to sing loud, raucous noises, often performing in concert with other members of the group.