A Diglossa cyanea perched with its plumage and characteristic features visible

Diglossa cyanea (Masked Flowerpiercer)

Name: diglossa cyanea
Address: CO

The Masked Flowerpiercer belongs to the tanager family. It is predominantly found in the Andean region of South America. This bird thrives in humid montane forests and scrubs, inhabiting altitudes between approximately 6,600 and 11,500 feet. Adult Masked Flowerpiercers grow to about 6 inches in length. The males are particularly striking, with deep ultramarine blue plumage and a distinctive dark mask.

Their beaks are large, black, and upturned, featuring a characteristic hook on the tip of the upper mandible, which is used to slice open the bases of flowers to access nectar. Photographed in the western Andes mountain range of Colombia.

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A Diglossa cyanea shown as the masked flowerpiercer in a clear view with its characteristic plumage visible

A Diglossa cyanea shown in a full-body view with its plumage and body shape visible from a second distinct angle

A Diglossa cyanea shown in a full-body view with its plumage and body shape visible

A Diglossa cyanea shown in a view emphasizing blue plumage, with its characteristic plumage visible

A dark blue Diglossa cyanea with a black mask and a red iris at a bird feeder

A dark blue Diglossa cyanea with a black mask and a red iris