Blue-necked Tanager

The Blue-necked Tanager occurs along both slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes and in adjacent lowland foothills, inhabiting humid forests, forest edges, and secondary growth typically between 500 and 2,500 meters. It is generally common and conspicuous, often seen in mixed-species flocks foraging in the canopy for fruit and insects, with its vivid blue neck and contrasting black mask making it one of the most striking tanagers in the region. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Neotropical range and a stable population that adapts well to disturbed habitats. Natural history observations highlight its social behavior, frequent vocalizations, and cup-shaped nests built in dense vegetation, though detailed breeding data in Ecuador remain limited.