The striking scarlet belly and delicate blue patches on the shoulders of the Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager are accentuated by its black feathers. This species thrives in habitats that include mountain forests, woodland, and shrub areas at elevations of 2400 to 3500 meters. When foraging, these birds flit from branch to branch in search of berries and small fruits, but they have also been observed hunting for insects, particularly those that hide in bromeliads.
During the breeding season, the female bird will lay up to two eggs while the male takes on the responsibility of feeding her while she incubates. Once the eggs hatch, both parents will work together to provide food for their young until they are ready to leave the nest, which typically occurs around two to three weeks. At this point, the fledglings can often be spotted in open areas such as pastures and scattered trees.
Despite not being considered endangered by the IUCN, some members of the family are currently under threat. Specifically, the green hooded tanager, golden loined mountain tanager, and golden throated tanager have been declared as such. If you’re interested in seeing one of these birds in action, check out the video below: