Species profile
About this species
The Flame-faced Tanager is a strikingly colourful bird found in the Andean cloud forests of South America, notable for its vivid orange-red facial plumage contrasting with its black & green body. It belongs to the diverse Thraupidae family & is typically found in humid montane forests at elevations between 1200 & 2400 metres. The species is often seen foraging in mixed-species flocks, feeding on fruit & insects in the forest canopy.
Humid Andean cloud forests & forest edges at mid to high elevations, typically between 1200 & 2400 metres, across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru & Venezuela.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Flame-faced 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 & activity levels. The dry season between June & September typically provides clearer skies & more predictable conditions in Andean cloud forests.
Position yourself near fruiting trees in the early morning when flocks are most active & light is soft, as this greatly increases your chances of close encounters. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the bird's quick movements amongst foliage & branches. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is recommended to capture detailed shots without disturbing the bird's natural behaviour.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Flame-faced 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.