The azure-rumped tanager or Cabanis's tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is a local resident in humid broadleaf forests and adjacent plantations of the Pacific slope of western Guatemala and southern Chiapas, Mexico. It has been reported at elevations of 850–1,900 m (2,790–6,230 ft).
Region
Mesoamerican Pacific slope
Typical Environment
Occurs locally in humid broadleaf and cloud-forest foothills of southern Chiapas, Mexico, and western Guatemala. It frequents the mid to upper canopy of mature forest, edges, and secondary growth where fruiting trees are present. The species also uses traditional shade-coffee plantations that retain a diverse overstory. Habitat is fragmented, and birds are patchily distributed near reliable fruit sources. Breeding territories are often in forest with dense canopy connectivity.
Altitude Range
850–1900 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Cabanis's tanager, it is a striking yet localized species of humid montane forests on the Pacific slope of Chiapas, Mexico, and western Guatemala. Its bright azure-blue rump is diagnostic and often the first thing seen as it darts through the canopy. Shade-coffee plantations with remnant native trees can provide supplemental habitat, though ongoing deforestation remains a major threat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes through the canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in foliage at mid to upper levels. Likely monogamous, with both parents involved in care. Territory centers around reliable fruiting trees during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched series of twittering notes interspersed with thin sibilant calls. Vocalizations are discreet and easily overlooked amid insect noise and other flock activity.
Plumage
Olive to greenish upperparts with a vivid azure-blue rump and lower back; underparts duller olive-brown to grayish. Head subtly gray-olive with darker lores and limited contrast. Wings and tail darker with faint pale edging.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, including figs and other native fruiting trees. Supplements diet with arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, especially during the breeding season. Foraging is active and involves short hops and reaches in the canopy. Birds often track seasonal fruiting and may aggregate at productive trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid to upper canopy of humid forest and at fruiting trees along edges and in shade-coffee. Also uses secondary growth where native fruiting species persist. Will descend lower when foraging in plantations or at edge trees.
