Species profile
About this species
The Gilt-edged Tanager is a strikingly colourful bird found in South America, notable for its vivid golden-yellow head contrasting with deep blue & black plumage. It inhabits humid montane forests along the Andes, where it forages actively in the canopy for fruits & insects. This medium-sized tanager is a member of the diverse Thraupidae family & is highly sought after by birdwatchers & wildlife photographers alike.
Humid montane forests & forest edges along the eastern slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Venezuela & Peru, typically at elevations between 1000 & 2200 metres above sea level.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Gilt-edged Tanager with us in Brazil.
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 & most active feeding behaviour, particularly during the fruiting season between October & March when birds congregate at food sources.
Position yourself near fruiting trees at forest edges where the species regularly feeds, as this provides reliable & predictable shooting opportunities. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the bird's quick movements between branches & perches. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is strongly recommended to capture detailed plumage shots without disturbing the bird's natural behaviour.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Gilt-edged 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.