White-capped Tanager

Sericossypha albocristata

The white-capped tanager is a South American bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Sericossypha. It is the heaviest but not the longest species of tanager, at a weight of 114 g (4 oz) and a length of 24 cm (9.5 in). This species is glossy black overall with a large white crown and a red throat. It occurs in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru at elevations of 1600–3200 m. It lives in humid Andean forest in groups of up to 20 individuals. Flocks of these tanagers stay in tight formation, often foraging from tree to tree together. They may eat fruits, seeds, hymenoptera, and coleoptera.

Scientific name

Sericossypha albocristata

Family

Tanagers and Allies

IUCN status

VU