Species profile
About this species
The Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager is a striking bird found in the Andes, featuring vivid blue & black plumage on its upperparts contrasted by a warm buff-orange breast. It is a medium-sized tanager typically measuring around 18 cm in length. The species is known for its bold colouring & is often found foraging in pairs or small groups within cloud forest understorey.
The Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager inhabits montane cloud forests & forest edges in the Andes, typically at elevations between 2,400 & 3,500 metres. It favours areas with dense vegetation, mossy branches & an abundance of fruiting plants.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager with us in Colombia.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours shortly after dawn offer the best light & bird activity. The dry season months, typically June through August in the Andes, provide clearer skies & more predictable weather for photography.
Position yourself near fruiting trees or shrubs in the early morning when the birds are most active & feeding, allowing for close & unobstructed shots. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500s to freeze movement, as tanagers can be quite active & restless. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is recommended given the dense cloud forest habitat, where maintaining distance helps avoid disturbing the birds.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.