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Photo: © Michael McCloy eBird S32937553 Macaulay Library ML 42528541
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White-capped Tanager

Sericossypha albocristata
Pollo-de-monte
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Song

White-capped Tanager

Appearance: The White-capped Tanager has a distinctive appearance with a white cap on its head, a black mask around its eyes, and a bright yellow body with black wings and tail.
Habitat: This species is commonly found in montane forests and cloud forests at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters.
Behavior: White-capped Tanagers are typically seen foraging for insects and fruits in the canopy of trees. They are often found in small groups or pairs.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the White-capped Tanager are not well-documented, but they are known to build cup-shaped nests in trees and shrubs.
Conservation status: The White-capped Tanager is considered to be of Least Concern in terms of conservation status in Colombia, as it has a relatively wide distribution and stable population.

Distribution

The White-capped Tanager is a species found in the Andes mountains of South America. It is primarily distributed in Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, where it inhabits montane forests and cloud forests at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 meters.

Within its range, it can be found in fragmented populations, with different subpopulations occupying different mountain ranges and habitats. It is generally considered to be a relatively common species within its range, although it may be threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.

Taxonomy

The White-capped Tanager (Sericossypha albocristata)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Sericossypha
  • Species: Sericossypha albocristata

Vocalization

The White-capped Tanager's vocalization is a series of high-pitched, melodious whistles and trills. Their song is often described as sweet and flute-like, with a variety of notes and phrases. They are known to sing both solo and in duets with their mate, creating a beautiful harmony in the forest canopy.