Masked Flowerpiercer

*Top 50 Target Species (pretty factor off-the-charts)

In Ecuador, the Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea) is a fairly common resident of humid montane and cloud forests, typically found between 2,000 and 3,500 meters on both Andean slopes. With its deep ultramarine plumage, bright red eyes, and hooked bill adapted for slicing into flowers, it forages energetically for nectar, insects, and fruit, often in mixed-species flocks. Though its population is suspected to be slowly declining due to habitat degradation, it remains widespread and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Regional variation in song and plumage suggests possible cryptic speciation, adding intrigue to this charismatic highland tanager.