Habitat
Understorey and borders of stunted, humid montane forest and secondary woodland, frequently alongside small mountain streams and ravines, scrubby chaparral above the treeline, dense stands of Chusquea bamboo. From 2,100 - 3,000 m, but mainly above 2,300 m.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 1,000 - 2,499 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through development of cattle ranches and Pinus plantations is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Call is a short, weak trill. Song is unknown.
Santa Marta Warbler (Myiothlypis basilica) [XC312971]
by Guy Kirwan from San Lorenzo road, Santa Marta mountains, Magdalena, Colombia (song)
Santa Marta Warbler (Myiothlypis basilica) [XC353347]
by Ross Gallardy from Ci\u00e9naga, Magdalena, Colombia (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
No obvious close affinities. Originally described as a Hemispingus tanager (Thraupidae). Resembles Three-striped Warbler (Basileuterus tristriatus), particularly in head pattern, and some authors consider it closest to that species.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet