Tangará Serrana
Santa Marta Mountain-tanager
Anisognathus melanogenys
Song
Santa Marta Mountain-tanager (Black-cheeked Mountain-tanager)
Appearance: The Santa Marta Mountain-tanager is a striking bird characterized by its colorful plumage. It features a combination of bright blue and yellow feathers, with a black face mask and crown. The contrast between the vivid colors makes it easily recognizable among the dense foliage of its habitat.
Habitat: This species is found in the montane forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a unique and isolated mountain range in northern Colombia. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, often at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,200 m. These forests provide the dense canopy and rich biodiversity that the tanager relies on for food and shelter.
Behavior: Santa Marta Mountain-tanagers are frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits and berries found within their forest habitat. They may also consume insects and other small invertebrates. These birds are social and can often be observed in pairs or small family groups. They are known for their active foraging behavior, moving through the forest canopy in search of food.
Breeding: Information on the breeding behavior of the Santa Marta Mountain-tanager is somewhat limited, but like many tanagers, they are likely to build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs. Breeding typically involves a monogamous pair, with both parents participating in feeding and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Santa Marta Mountain-tanager is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
As an endemic species, the Santa Marta Mountain-tanager is found exclusively in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region in Colombia. This mountain range is known for its high levels of endemism and biodiversity, making it a critical area for conservation. The tanager's distribution is limited to this isolated range, highlighting the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem for its continued survival.
Taxonomy
The Black-cheeked Mountin-tanager(Anisognathus melanogenys)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Anisognathus
- Species: Anisognathus melanogenys
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Santa Marta Mountain-tanager are not extensively documented, but like many tanagers, they likely have a range of calls and songs used for communication. These vocalizations typically serve various purposes such as:
Territorial Calls: To establish and defend territory from other males.
Mating Calls: To attract potential mates during the breeding season.
Alarm Calls: To warn other birds of predators or threats.
Contact Calls: To maintain communication with other members of their species, especially in dense forest habitats.
Purpose:
The Santa Marta Mountain-tanager's vocalizations, like those of other bird species, are crucial for survival and reproduction. They facilitate:
Mate Attraction and Courtship: Vocalizations play a role in attracting mates and can be a sign of fitness.
Territorial Defense: Calls help in establishing and maintaining territories, ensuring access to resources.
Social Interaction: Vocalizations are essential for social bonding and coordination among individuals, particularly in species that may form flocks.
Predator Avoidance: Alarm calls alert other birds to the presence of predators, enhancing survival chances.
The vocal behavior of the Santa Marta Mountain-tanager can provide insights into its ecology and social structure, contributing to conservation efforts, especially since it is restricted to a specific geographical region.
