Habitat
Humid lower montane forest and edges, shade-tree plantations bordering patches of secondary vegetation, clearings with scattered trees. From 1,350 - 2,200 m, occasionally down to 300 m.
Western and central Colombia: both slopes of western Andes in Valle, and western slope in Risaralda; central Andes in Antioquia and Quindío; western slope of eastern Andes in Santander (above San Vicente), Boyacá and Cundinamarca (R Bogotá); and head of Magdalena Valley in Huila.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction through conversion of humid forests for agriculture, coffee-growing and human settlement is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Turquoise Dacnis (Dacnis hartlaubi) [XC10736]
by Oswaldo Cortes from RNA Reinita Cielo Azul, San Vicente de Chucuri, Santander, Colombia (call)
Turquoise Dacnis (Dacnis hartlaubi) [XC838735]
by Jaime Su\u00e1rez from Jardin Botanico, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Risaralda., Colombia (song)
Subspecies
This genus and Cyanerpes were previously regarded as members of a separate family, Coerebidae, but later placed in present family on basis of similarities in skull anatomy. Molecular phylogenies indicate that the two genera are sisters and form a monophyletic group with Tersina. Has also been placed in a separate genus, Pseudodacnis, in part because its bill is heavier than others of genus. Plumage and eye colour similar to those of Black-faced Dacnis (Dacnis lineata), although foraging behaviour closer to that of some Tangara.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Female similar to Black-faced Dacnis (Dacnis lineata), but is less olive above, buffier below and shows marked wing edgings. Tangara spp. have dark irides. Female Hemithraupis spp. are yellower below.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet