Lacrimose Mountain Tanager

Anisognathus lacrymosus

Cali Valle Del Cauca Colombia

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Anisognathus lacrymosus
  • Spanish Name: Tangara lacrimosa
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Known Nicknames: Lachrymose Mountain-Tanager, Tearful Mountain-Tanager
  • Average Length: 18 cm / 7 in
  • Average Weight: 27–42 g / 0.95–1.48 oz
  • Wingspan: N/A
  • Key Feature: Bright yellow 'tear-drop' spot located below and behind the eye
  • Primary Diet: Primarily Frugivore (fruits and berries), also Insectivore
  • Range: Andes Mountains of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru
  • Habitat: High-altitude humid montane forests and forest edges
  • Social Structure: Pairs or small groups; frequent member of mixed-species foraging flocks
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup-shaped nest built in dense foliage or shrubs
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Lacrimose Mountain Tanager (*Anisognathus lacrymosus*) is a striking songbird native to the high-altitude cloud forests of the Andes, instantly recognizable by its bold and melancholic facial markings. This medium-sized bird features a deep slate-blue or charcoal-colored back that contrasts brilliantly with its vibrant, sun-yellow underparts; however, its most defining characteristic is the small, teardrop-shaped yellow spot located directly beneath each eye, which gives the species its "tearful" or lacrimose name. Highly social and energetic, these tanagers are often seen traveling in restless mixed-species flocks, flitting through the misty canopy in search of berries and small insects. Their unique combination of somber upperparts and radiant bellies, paired with that signature facial "tear," makes them one of the most enchanting and easily identified avian residents of the rugged South American highlands.

Faits amusants

True to its name, this bird features a vivid yellow spot beneath its eye that mimics a single, permanent tear. Far from being somber, they are known for their hyper-energetic "restless" foraging style and frequently act as the social core of mixed-species flocks, leading other birds through the high-altitude Andean canopy. They are remarkable specialists, thriving in thin mountain air at elevations where few other tanagers can survive. Additionally, they have a peculiar habit of flicking their wings and tails rhythmically while hopping, a quirky physical "twitch" that helps birdwatchers identify them even when their colors are obscured by the mountain mist.

Habitats et répartition

This species is distributed along the Andes of South America, with a geographical range stretching from western Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador and into central Peru. It is strictly a montane bird, typically found at elevations between 1,600 and 3,600 meters above sea level, where it occupies the temperate and subtropical zones of the mountain range. Its primary habitats consist of humid montane evergreen forests, mossy elfin forests, and dense secondary growth at forest edges. It is most frequently encountered in the middle to upper layers of the canopy, favoring environments rich in epiphytes and thick vegetation that provide both cover and ample foraging opportunities.

Comportements & Reproduction

These birds typically exhibit a social structure consisting of small, active groups of three to ten individuals, though they are frequently seen in pairs. They are highly gregarious and often join mixed-species foraging flocks, moving energetically through the canopy and sub-canopy of montane forests. Their behavior is characterized by rapid hopping and acrobatic maneuvers as they search for berries and small insects among mossy branches. In terms of reproduction, they are generally monogamous and maintain breeding territories through persistent vocalizations. They construct compact, cup-shaped nests hidden within dense foliage or epiphytes to safeguard their offspring from predators and the elements. While specific nesting data remains limited, they typically lay a clutch of two eggs, with both parents likely sharing responsibilities for feeding the fledglings, a cooperative strategy that aids survival in their high-altitude Andean habitats.

Alimentation

The Lacrimose Mountain Tanager maintains a diverse diet primarily composed of small fruits, berries, and a variety of insects, which it actively searches for within the canopy and sub-canopy of Andean montane forests. As an omnivorous species, it frequently consumes fruits from the Melastomataceae family, playing a vital role in seed dispersal within its high-altitude ecosystem. Interestingly, this bird often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, where it utilizes agile movements to glean invertebrates from foliage or moss-covered branches, sometimes even performing short aerial sallies to catch flying prey. Its dietary flexibility allows it to adapt to the seasonal availability of resources in the humid temperate zones, ensuring a steady intake of both carbohydrates from sugary fruits and essential proteins from various small arthropods.

Couleurs

The Lacrimose Mountain Tanager is characterized by its dark blue-gray upperparts and striking yellow underparts. Its namesake feature is a distinct yellow teardrop-shaped spot located directly beneath the eye on a blackish face, complemented by bright yellow patches on the sides of the neck. While its vibrant belly stands out, the somber gray-blue dorsal plumage provides effective camouflage against the misty, shadowed canopy of high-altitude Andean forests.