Golden-naped Tanager

The Golden-naped Tanager occurs on both slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, inhabiting humid montane forests and forest edges typically between 1,200 and 2,800 meters. It is generally uncommon but locally present, often seen in mixed-species flocks foraging for fruit and insects in the canopy, with males easily recognized by their vivid blue plumage and golden nape. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Andean range and a population suspected to be slowly declining due to modest forest loss. Natural history observations highlight its social foraging behavior, preference for mature forest, and subtle sexual dimorphism, though nesting biology remains poorly documented.