Streaked Tuftedcheek

The Streaked Tuftedcheek occurs on both slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, inhabiting humid montane and cloud forests typically between 2,000 and 3,200 meters. It is generally uncommon but regularly encountered, often seen singly or in pairs following mixed-species flocks through the middle and upper forest strata, where it probes moss and bromeliads for arthropods. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Andean range from Venezuela to Bolivia and a population that appears stable despite localized habitat pressures. Natural history observations highlight its distinctive white cheek tufts, streaked plumage, and methodical foraging behavior, though nesting biology remains poorly documented.