Species profile
About this species
The Saffron-crowned Tanager is a strikingly coloured bird found in the Andean regions of South America, notable for its vivid saffron-yellow crown contrasting with its turquoise-green body plumage. It typically measures around 13 cm in length & belongs to the diverse Thraupidae family. The species is often found in pairs or small groups foraging for fruit & insects in humid montane forests.
Humid montane forests & forest edges along the Andean slopes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia, typically at elevations between 1200m & 2400m above sea level.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Saffron-crowned 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 between 6am & 9am offer the best light & highest bird activity. The dry season months of June through August are ideal, as reduced foliage makes spotting & photographing these birds considerably easier.
Position yourself near fruiting trees at forest edges where these tanagers regularly feed, as they tend to be less wary when focussed on foraging. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/800s to freeze movement & capture the vivid plumage detail, particularly the brilliant saffron crown. A telephoto lens of 400-500mm will allow you to maintain a respectful distance while still achieving frame-filling shots of this small species.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Saffron-crowned 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.