Flame-faced tanager

There are three subspecies of the flame-faced tanager, all of which are recognized on the basis of slight differences in plumage.[6][4]

• T. p. parzudakii (Lafresnaye, 1843): The nominate subspecies, it is found in southwestern Venezuela, the eastern Colombian Andes, and the east slope of the Ecuadorian Andes.
• T. p. urubambae Zimmer, 1943: It is found on the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes. It is similar to the nominate, but has a smaller and stubbier beak, a paler crown, and a duller forecrown and belly.
• T. p. lunigera (P.L. Sclater, 1851): Also known as the yellow-faced tanager, it is found on the Pacific slope of the Colombian Andes, along with northwestern Ecuador at elevations of 1,000–2,600 m (3,300–8,500 ft). It has an orange-red face instead of a red one. It is recognized as a distinct species by some authorities.[6][7]

Like other tanagers in its genus, the flame-faced tanager is omnivorous, and feeds on fruit, arthropods, flower buds, and nectar. Foraging is mainly done in the canopy. Preferred types of fruit include species of Miconia and Cecropia. More than half of fruit is collected through gleaning, but can also be collected through probing or other techniques. Arthropods are collected almost entirely from fully and partially moss-covered branches, through a variety of methods such as gleaning and probing.[6]

In Colombia, adults were observed feeding each other berries as a part of courtship in February.[8] In Ecuador, populations of the subspecies parzudakii were observed breeding January–July, during the rainy season. Nests were observed mainly in pastures, but some were also found in forests, forest edges, and on man-made structures. Nests are built entirely by the female, in locations that were concealed from all sides. The male waits beside the female while nest building is ongoing, but does not directly help her. Nests are bulky, open cups made of stiff fibers, pieces of fern, moss, and other organic material. The nest is internally lined with dead leaves from Chusquea species, dried bromeliad leaves, and pale fibers. Three nests measured in Ecuador had an average outer diameter of 12.3 cm (4.8 in), inner diameter of 6 cm (2.4 in), outer height of 9.8 cm (3.9 in), and inner height of 4.5 cm (1.8 in).[9][10]

The clutch size is two eggs, which are incubated by the female. Males feed the female berries while she is incubating. Eggs are white, with pale brown flecking that is densest at the larger end. A sample of 5 eggs from Ecuador measured on average 20 mm × 16.7 mm (0.79 in × 0.66 in), with an average mass of 3.2 g (0.11 oz). Nests with fledglings have been observed in May. Fledglings are fed by both parents. Common food items given include arthropods such as katydids, butterflies and moths, and spiders, and mashed fruits, including berries. Nests inhabited by fledglings are also regularly probed, which helps remove parasites. Fledglings are born without feathers or hair.[6][10]